Dortmund seek German Cup redemption in clash vs Bremen
Erling Braut Haaland became the first player to claim 10 goals in his first seven Champions League games when he netted twice on Tuesday against PSG. File / Agence France-Presse
Dortmund head to Bremen chasing revenge for last month’s German Cup defeat and three points to stay in the league title race.
Third-placed Dortmund trail leaders Bayern Munich by four points after last weekend’s 4-0 thumping of Frankfurt when Haaland and Sancho both netted.
“I just feel like I’m in my happy place,” said Sancho, who on current form seems certain to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for England’s friendlies next month against Italy and Denmark.
“I just love football, if I had a choice I’d play every day until I’m 100 years old.”
Haaland became the first player to claim 10 goals in his first seven Champions League games when he netted twice in Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, first leg.
It makes him the competition’s joint top-scorer this season alongside Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski.
Sancho was the other 19-year-old thorn in the side of the French champions alongside Haaland as he constantly tested the PSG defence. Both teenagers claimed Bundesliga records last month.
Haaland was the first to score a hat-trick on his debut as a substitute in the 5-3 win at Augsburg.
Sancho then set his own benchmark in the 5-0 thrashing of Union - when Haaland also scored twice - with the opening goal to become the first to score 25 Bundesliga goals before his 20th birthday.
With 14 assists in Germany’s top flight, Sancho is level with Bayern star Thomas Mueller for most goals created as they threaten Kevin de Bruyne’s record of 21 for Wolfsburg, set in 2014/15.
“Playing behind him (Haaland) and with him is just a great feeling,” Sancho told Bundesliga.com.
“I know where to find him and where he wants the ball, and he knows how I want the ball played to me - so it’s a good understanding between us.”
Dortmund are firm favourites, “but we have the opportunity to annoy them. There are ways to take away their joy,” said Florian Kohfeldt.
Agence France-Presse
