Supporters of Dortmund were thrilled with last year's triumph, but saw it also as simple comfirmation that their club is back where it belongs. After all, BVB is the only German club other than Bayern to have won the Champions League. But between that triumph in 1997 and now were a number of fallow years in which the club teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.

Dortmund saved its pennies and the plan paid off. But if its young, inexpensive side exceeded all expectations last year, this time out the pressure will be on from the start. The loss of midfield stalwart Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid will smart, but the core of the team remains and should be ready to challenge for a European place at least.

Fun fact: Dortmund are listed on the German stock exchange.

Author: Jefferson Chase
Editor: Matt Hermann