Borussia to face Qarabaq in the Play-Offs

The first opponent on Borussia's return to Europe will be FK Agdam Qarabaq. This is the result of the draw which ended moments ago. BVB will play at home first on the 19th of August, the second match will be one week later in Azerbaidzhan. Luckily, Dortmund was seeded to avoid big clubs like Juventus, Celtic Glasgow or Liverpool. On the way to the Play-Offs, our opponent defeated Portadown (Northern Ireland) and Wisla Krakow. Since the city of Agdam was taken by Armenian troops in 1993, the club now plays in Baku near the Caspian Sea. Agdam seems to be beatable, but we should make sure to do so at home since away games in countries like Azerbaidzhan always are a little bit special. On paper, we got the easiest opponent with Trabzonspor, Grashoppers, Solna and Utrecht being the other possible opponents. So let's hope that this is a good omen to make it to the group stage in this league's Europa League.

Here is what the club officials say about this draw

Aki Watzke(CEO) – FK Qarabag eliminated Wisla Krakow, who play a huge role in the Polish Extraliga. The great unknown from Azerbaijan definitely deserves our respect.We will tackle this task strong-willed

Reinhard Rauball (chairman) – With Die Nationalmannschaft I have travelled to Baku lastyear. Under Berti Vogts the Azerbaijan team has made a huge step forward. The task Qarabag is doable. We just need to solve it.

Michael Zorc (manager) – We will gather all important information about this team from Azerbaijan now. Our journey to the Caspian Sea is a long and exhausting one,but this will not be an excuse for us. We want to reach the group stages

Jürgen Klopp (coach) – Who eliminates the Polish Runners Up, has to be taken seriously. It is a logistic task which for a club like ours with international experience will not be a problem. Our aims are still very much the same. We want to reach the group stages and accept our duty.

Sebastian Kehl (skipper) – Qarabag? I need to take a look into the atlas. Despite the long journey, I believe: From a player's point of view it could have been worse. We will reach the group stages

Vanni, 06.08.2010