There can be no doubting Bodo Illgner's allegiances. When it comes to clubs, he only has a place in his heart for Cologne and Real Madrid, the teams where he spent his whole career. So, naturally, the ex-goalkeeper is gunning for Real to kick Borussia to the curb and win its long-awaited 10th European Cup, having himself lifted the club's seventh in 1998.
"Borussia Dortmund is a young and extremely talented team. It plays a modern brand of football, with lots of pace, and is a bit of a mixture of Real Madrid and Barcelona. At home, the players don't run; they positively zoom around and keep going right to the end", warned the former Germany goalie.
"The Dortmund coach gives them an extra edge. He's not a suit-and-tie kind of guy, but is very hard-working. Klopp is a bit mad, but that's why he's so great", Illgner noted.
"They have some top players. Hummels, Lewandowski - who is on fire - Götze... but I think their secret is their work ethic and ability all over the pitch. They are a top team", the German continued.
"Real could be considered the favourite, because it is playing the second leg at home and has more experience. Plus, the ties we've seen this year have all been decided in the second leg. I think playing in front of your fans gives you a small edge. On the sum of experience and talent, Real is the slight favourite", Illgner concluded.
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