Edin Dzeko backs Borussia Dortmund to reach Champions League final

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has backed Borussia Dortmund to reach the final of the Champions League this season.

The defending German champions drew the first leg of their last-16 tie 2-2 with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine earlier this month.

"I knew Borussia from the Bundesliga," he told Kicker. "Essentially, I knew nearly everything about the team but, all the same, they managed to impress me.

"Borussia showed how strong they are. They lost Shinji Kagawa [to Manchester United] ahead of the season, but now they have Marco Reus, who might be even better.

"Dortmund are a top club. Everyone in Europe was able to see that. With Jurgen Klopp, they have a great coach working there. This team can go a long way. I am convinced Borussia will make it into the final. That's my wish for the club. Anyone who comes out on top of a group with Real Madrid in such fashion can beat anyone."

Dzeko played for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga from 2007 to 2011.