Borussia Dortmund legend Paul Lambert backs Marco Reus and Co. for Schalke derby, despite ‘unlucky’ Chelsea defeat

Paul Lambert has backed his former club Borussia Dortmund for the upcoming Bundesliga derby vs Schalke and also termed the Chelsea defeat as unlucky.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2023, 12:23:21 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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Aiming to bounce back to winning ways, Borussia Dortmund face Schalke in the Bundesliga's Revierderby on Saturday, at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Dortmund were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday, losing to Chelsea 2-0 in the second leg and 2-1 in the aggregate. The defeat also meant that Dortmund have now lost their last six away matches against English sides, in the Champions League, since defeating Arsenal 2-1 in October 2013.

Borussia Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga table. (REUTERS)

Dortmund are currently second in the Bundesliga table, with 49 points from 23 games, and have also won their last five Bundesliga games. They are behind Bayern Munich, who are on top of the table with 50 points from 23 games. Meanwhile, Schalke are bottom of the standings with 19 points from 23 fixtures, and are fighting relegation.

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Speaking ahead of the fixture, former Dortmund midfielder Paul Lambert felt that the defeat vs Chelsea was due to poor luck, and that the side's morale hadn't been hit. "I think the Chelsea game. They were really unlucky. I think you've got to remember that the gulf with Chelsea and also the money they have, and Premier League, is an incredible amount of money. I think everybody saw what happened. I don't think Dortmund will derail. For the Schalke game, the guys and the manager will put it behind them. Hopefully they go to Schalke and get a result", he said.

"I don't think there will be any problems motivating the team. The fans will do that, the atmosphere will do that. And Dortmund fans are special, they will have a great game", he further added.

Lambert represented Dortmund during the 1996-97 season, and helped them win the UEFA Champions League title. The upcoming game will be the 100th Bundesliga meeting between Dortmund and Schalke, with the former registering 37 wins. Schalke have won 32 times and 30 games have ended as a draw. Dortmund have also won each of the last four Revierderbies, something they only previously managed between 1964 and 1967 (eight in a row). Schalke's last home Revierderby in February 2021, saw them crash to a 4-0 defeat, which is also their joint heaviest defeat at home to Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Watch the LIVE coverage of Bundesliga 2022-23 - FC Schalke vs Borussia Dortmund on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels on 11th March 2023 from 11:00 pm IST

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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