BERLIN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- When German football fans have to name the country's current dream team, there is only one real answer: Borussia Dortmund. The Black and Yellows have scored 27 goals in eight league games and remain the only unbeaten side in the Bundesliga.
Now the shooting stars face their first serious Champions League test when they face Atletico Madrid and fans are eager to see just how good they really are on the international stage.
Looking at the leading European leagues; Dortmund's goal scoring record is up there with the best. FC Barcelona have scored 23 times in nine games, Manchester City have hit the back of the net on 26 occasions in nine domestic matches while Juventus have scored 19 goals in nine games.
The question about Dortmund's international class has hit the headlines as German football is currently in a crisis. The national team is going through a difficult time and so is the country's top club, Bayern Munich.
Can Dortmund satisfy international demands? The match against Atletico will give the first answer. Club officials like CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke are insisting that it is not the club's first priority to prove their international class.
They are looking more toward developing a competitive team. Therefore, they are avoiding expressing ambitious goals even though the team is stoking enthusiasm among fans due to its speedy attacking play.
While Watzke remains cautious, team captain Marco Reus admits he is curious about how they will do against Atletico.
"This game is like an indicator for us. It's a real challenge and a serious examination," Reus commented ahead of his 50th Champions League appearance. The German international is positive before the game against the Spanish giant. "If we manage to combine our confidence and speed with a solid defense, then we'll be very hard to beat."
Reus' confidence is based on the impressive performances of several of the team's players. He himself has scored five goals and provided five assists. Spanish star Paco Alcacer has amassed seven goals in four games. Formerly on Manchester City's books, Jadon Sancho is said to be the Bundesliga's quickest dribbler.
"We want to dominate the game if possible and have speedy youngsters down the wings. They are tenacious, they are ambitious and determined," said Dortmund's coach Lucien Favre before adding that his side is still far from being one of Europe's top teams. "We still need to prove our qualities over a longer period [of time]."
Favre says his job is to guide his young team on its way to the top. The Swiss is moving his performers around to create an unpredictable style of football allowing his squad free-reign up front. He also wants them to close down spaces in midfield by pressing early.
Former Hamburg coach Markus Gisdol said Dortmund is carrying out Favre's idea of football to perfection. "His ideas fit the squad's skills...Dortmund is setting up a squad of players able to regain the ball as soon as possible," Gisdol commented.
Former Norwegian professional Jan Aage Fjoertoft named three vital factors for Dortmund's success. Reus' captaincy, former Chinese Super League player Axel Witsel's stability and Alcacer doing unbelievable things up front.
Fans are hoping to get answers about which system will dominate on the night. Dortmund's spectacular attacking football or the more defensive style of Atletico?
"It's going to be a hard nut to crack as Atletico have only conceded five goals in nine games," Favre commented without mentioning that the Spaniards have only scored 10 goals.
