“We now have it in our own hands in a difficult group. You can’t wish for more than that,” said BVB player Julian Ryerson prior to the away match against AC Milan. Borussia Dortmund will be in Italy for the first group game of the current Champions League campaign on Tuesday evening.

How do you assess your performances in the group so far?
“Differently. It’s super that we beat Newcastle twice. A draw against Milan – we could have won that game too. But they also had some dangerous opportunities. And things didn’t go well for us in Paris, although there were opportunities in that game. It’s a good starting position, now it’s down to us.”

You would be certain of qualification for the round of 16 with a win in Milan. What makes you optimistic?
“We won away in Newcastle, which was also a difficult game. We saw in the home game against Milan that they are beatable. Now we’re away, but we’re still going there with confidence as the group leaders and want to qualify.”

You’re playing at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. What kind of atmosphere are you expecting?
“I don’t know, I’m just looking forward to it. I’ve never played there before, but I’ve heard a lot of good things from friends who have been there before.” (cr)