Borussia Dortmund Hope To Take 'Final Step' In Unlikely Top-Four Rescue Act

Borussia Dortmund can take the "final step" in their miraculous run to the Bundesliga top four with a big win at home against Holstein Kiel on Saturday.  After a 2-0 loss at RB Leipzig in March, Dortmund were 11th and did not look like finishing in the top half of the table, let alone the top four. But since then, Dortmund have won six and drawn one of their seven games, putting the chance of qualifying for the Champions League through a top-four finish firmly in their own hands ahead of Saturday's final Bundesliga matchday. 

With third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt playing at fourth-placed Freiburg, fifth-placed Dortmund have a simple assignment against Kiel, who have already been relegated. 

Dortmund need to win by three goals to guarantee a spot in the top four regardless of other results, although a two-goal victory is likely to be enough. 

If Frankfurt beat Freiburg or draw, Dortmund will also be through to the top four, provided they beat Kiel. 

Champions League qualification is crucial for Dortmund, who rely heavily on European income to compete. 

Missing the competition, a year after reaching the final, would dent Dortmund's short-term ambitions and maybe lead to player sales. 

The excellent form will all but ensure Niko Kovac, Dortmund's third coach this season, remains in the dugout next year. 

"Before, we were reliant on other results: now we've got our own say. We want to win and we have to win. When we do it, then we've done a good job, but it'll be damn tough. 

"It's a nice feeling to be up there again," Kovac said of Dortmund's chances, but added "we worked long enough towards it, but now it's about taking the last step, but that last step can sometimes be the hardest".

The coach said his side wanted to reach