Super Sub Alcacer Ready To Fire Dortmund Into Last 16
Muhammad Rameez Published November 28, 2018 | 12:25 AM
Paco Alcacer is poised to add to his phenomenal record off the bench when Borussia Dortmund host Brugge on Wednesday, needing just a point to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Spanish striker showed why Borussia reportedly paid Barcelona 23 million Euros ($26m) for him when he netted during his 26 minutes on the pitch in Saturday's 2-1 win at Mainz, which kept Dortmund four points clear in the German league table.
He is Dortmund's super sub with eight goals off the bench.
Alcacer has started just two league games but has still managed nine goals in a total of just 261 minutes in the Bundesliga, including the winner in the 3-2 home win against defending champions Bayern Munich earlier this month.
He scored his only Champions League goal this season in the 3-0 home win against Monaco last month - his only Dortmund appearance over 90 minutes.
The Germans need just a point against Brugge to reach the knock-out stages, sitting neck-and-neck at the top of Group A on nine points with Atletico Madrid, while Brugge must win to stay in contention for a top-two finish.
Despite Alcacer's goal-scoring prowess, head coach Lucien Favre is protecting the Spaniard, who is working his way back to full fitness after a thigh injury.
"He didn't play much in Barcelona, so it is normal that he needs time before he can play for 90 minutes," said Favre in Tuesday's press conference.
"It'll take a little longer, then we will see." Germany forward Mario Goetze is the man Alcacer has replaced in his last two games and says all that is important is getting points against Brugge to enter the knock-out stages in 2019.
"I want to play my part in winning games, so if I get replaced after 60 minutes and Paco Alcacer comes in and scores the goals, that's a good thing," said Goezte.
Dortmund substitute Christian Pulisic, who is reportedly being targeted by Premier League side Chelsea, scored the only goal five minutes from time when Dortmund sealed a 1-0 victory at Brugge in September.
The Bundesliga leaders won their first three games in Europe before losing 2-0 at Atletico three weeks ago -- their only defeat this season.
"We will have to play very, very well - we all remember the game there, it was very, very difficult," added Favre.
Favre insists it is "difficult to find gaps" in the Brugge defence and expects the Belgians to attack on the counter.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PITB HR Wing organizes Eid Milan celebration for children at PITB Day Care Cente ..
Cabinet briefed on progress of PIA privatization
Meeting held to streamline trade between Pak-Afghan , Central Asian Republics
SONY x TECNO - is this for real?
Progress of Aaghosh, Bunyad, Khud Mukhtar programs discussed
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
More Stories From Sports
-
Spanish football federation appoints Rocha as president
1 hour ago -
Father, son killed in firing
5 hours ago -
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
8 hours ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
12 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
18 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
19 hours ago
-
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
22 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
22 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
22 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
21 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
22 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
21 hours ago