Possession key for Dortmund, says Hummels

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels believes that possession could prove pivotal in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Both sides previously met in the group stages of the competition, with Dortmund winning 2-1 at home and recording a 2-2 draw in Madrid.

And Hummels has stressed Dortmund have learned from their previous encounters about the importance of retaining the ball.

“Ball possession will be a key factor against Real Madrid,” Hummels said.

“I remember our match at the Santiago Bernabeu during the group stage. In the second half we did not have the ball for longer than ten seconds before we lost it again, and then it is really difficult against them.”

The centre-back then went on to discuss his most difficult opponent so far and revealed that Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko is the attacker who caused him the most trouble.

Hummels took on Dzeko twice in the group stages of the Champions League, with the Bosnia international failing to score on both occasions.

But the 24-year-old feels the combination of power and skill makes Dzeko a daunting adversary.

“Dzeko is a very good striker,” he said. “When I played against him it was so difficult because he is so tall and strong but also he has such a good technique and nice control. This makes it very hard to play against him.”