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Borussia Dortmund only marginally improved on their disappointing sixth place in the 2009 Bundesliga table, which was only enough for UEFA Europa League qualification but still represented their best Bundesliga finish since their third place in 2003. Indeed, they only fell away from Champions League contention during a poor run-in.

Coach Jurgen Klopp has largely eschewed big name signings over the summer. But the hoped-for return from injury of star Egyptian striker Mohamed Zidan was delayed in curious circumstances.

Zidan picked up a knee injury in the spring but the influential 28-year-old, who starred in his country’s African Cup of Nations triumph in January, has been called up for national service and negotiations for his exemption from conscription to allow his return to the Dortmund squad took up much of the close season.

Paraguayan World Cup striker, the Argentine-born Lucas Barrios, looks likely to offer the biggest goal threat after he finished third in the Bundesliga scoring charts last season.

Founded in 1909, BV Borussia Dortmund has a long history as a member of the German Bundesliga. The team was reportedly founded by a group of friends who no longer wished to play for their strict priest. While their initial colours were blue and white, it wasn’t long before the recognizable black and yellow uniforms were donned.

Dortmund won their first national title in 1956 but has subsequently won a further five, three of which has been in the Bundesliga. They also won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1966. However, possibly the greatest moment in the clubs history was when they lifted the 1997 UEFA Champions League trophy. The glory found under legend Matthias Sammer has not been repeated although they won the Bundesliga again in 2002.

Borussia Dortmund play home matches in the Westfalenstadion, which has the largest stadium capacity of any domestic home ground in Europe. First used in 1974, it played host to matches in the 2006 World Cup.