It might be Europe's second-tier continental competition, but some of the ties in this season's Europa League are the kinds any fan would see in the Champions League. For instance, in the round of 16, Manchester United took on Liverpool, whilst Tottenham faced off against Borussia Dortmund. And now, in the quarter-finals, Liverpool were paired with Dortmund in a match described as the "Klopp Derby". The first leg did not disappoint, and after finishing as a one-all stalemate, both sides have it all to play for as they clash at Anfield on Thursday evening.
Liverpool
Liverpool, who will be coming into this match having romped to a resounding 4-1 win over Stoke City, currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League. Although the Reds do have two games in hand, they are not guaranteed European football for next season. Of course, as they are still very much involved in the Europa League, a victory in this tournament will grant them a spot at the continental table - regardless of how they ultimately finish in the league table.
Thanks to an excellent performance by Belgian youngster Divock Origi, Liverpool were able to depart the Signal Iduna Park with a vital away goal in hand. And over the weekend, Origi showed that he is keen on fighting for a place in the starting XI by netting a brace in 15 minutes after coming on a second half-sub, so it will be interesting to see how Klopp manages him - and fellow striker Daniel Sturridge - for Thursday's big match. A few players will likely miss out for this match, with Jordan Henderson, Danny Ings, Christian Benteke, and Joe Gomez all not expected to feature due to injury.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund had to face English opposition in the round of 16, and will have to again overcome a Premier League foe to book their spot in the semi-finals. Die Schwarzgelben, however, do not have a good track record when they draw the first leg of a European fixture at home. In fact, they were eliminated in five out of the six times this has happened in the past. This does not look promising, especially considering that Liverpool have progressed in 11 out of their past 12 ties when they managed to draw on the road.
Still, Dortmund have done very well so far, both in domestic and continental competition. They have yet to lose a game so far in 2016, which is a feat that many of Europe's other big sides, including teams like Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or Juventus can not boast to. Furthermore, Thomas Tuchel's men have picked up wins in five out of their seven away fixtures, including against Spurs at White Hart Lane last month.
Unlike Liverpool, Dortmund, who drew Schalke 2-2 in last weekend's derby clash, are guaranteed European football for the 2016/2017 season. They sit comfortably in second place, meaning that they will make a return to the Champions League, regardless of how they fare in this season's Europa League, but of course, given that they have made it this far, Tuchel will certainly want to guide his side all the way to the final.
Which channel is broadcasting Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund on TV or Online?
With a coveted spot in the Europa League semi-finals at stake, Anfield will be a lively atmosphere with plenty of Liverpool and Dortmund fans in full force behind their respective squads. However, if you are too far away to make it in person, no worries. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together some selections to catch the match via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some options for fans residing elsewhere in the UK and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.05 EST on: Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Sports GO, Fox Sports 1 USA, ESPN Deportes TV
- In the UK at 20.05 BST on: BT Sport Europe, BT Sport Live Streaming, BT Sport Ultra HD, LFCTV GO, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In Germany at 21.05 CET on: SRF zwei, TeleClub Sport Live, Sky Sport 1/HD, Sky Sport 2/HD, Sport1 Germany, Sky Go Deutschland
- In Canada at 15.05 ET on: TSN4, TSN1
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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