Borussia Dortmund arrives in Madrid with a different strategy to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, and it’s not just about their game on the field. Nuri Sahin, coach of the German team and a former Real Madrid player, decided that his team will not hold the usual pre-match training session at the Santiago Bernabéu, breaking with the tradition of visiting teams. The reason: to avoid potential spies from the Madrid club who might observe their tactics prepared for the match. 

Because of this, the team opted to complete their final practice session at their training facility in Dortmund before flying to the Spanish capital on Monday afternoon. This measure aims to keep Borussia’s game plan under wraps ahead of this crucial league stage encounter.

The decision not to train at the Bernabéu has surprised the sports media in both Germany and Spain, where journalists were expecting to witness the training session at the iconic Madrid stadium. Although UEFA regulations require the first 15 minutes of training to be open to the press, Sahin preferred to ensure that his tactics remain hidden from journalists and any potential observers from the home team.

This move also highlights the respect and caution that Sahin has toward Real Madrid, acknowledging the club’s ability to analyze its opponents. Despite his brief stint as a player in Madrid, the German coach retains a special connection with the club and understands that every detail can make a difference in a high-stakes match like the one set for Tuesday. 

The clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will be a rematch of last season’s final, where the Spanish side won the title with a 2-0 victory. Now, Dortmund is seeking revenge, but with a different tactical approach and a clear attempt to surprise Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Pressure is on both sides: Real Madrid, coming off a defeat to Lille, and the Germans, aiming to secure a strong position at the top of the table.

The big question is whether this strategy to avoid Real Madrid’s “spies” will work for Dortmund. What is certain is that Sahin is betting on discretion as the key to taking on his former team, hoping that the element of surprise will play in their favor on a Champions League night where the Germans seek redemption from last season's final.