Götze inspired by Dortmund support

Having drawn 2-2 at FC Shakhtar Donetsk three weeks ago, Borussia Dortmund are well-placed to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 1998 as they enter the second leg of their round of 16 tie.

With two away goals to their name and a packed BVB Stadion Dortmund behind them, Die Schwarzgelben will be strongly fancied to progress on Tuesday. Throw in the fact that Jürgen Klopp's side defeated AFC Ajax, Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at home in winning Group D, then the portents do not look good for their Ukrainian visitors.

One factor in Dortmund's success has been the support of their legions of yellow-and-black-clad fans, according to playmaker Mario Götze, who cites them as a considerable source of inspiration on European nights. "The city lives for football, lives for this stadium," Götze told UEFA.com.

"You can see how widespread the fans are around Germany," continued the 20-year-old. "It's great to see that there are Dortmund fans in every stadium. That is something that motivates you and in the end you look forward to games even more, especially Europa League or Champions League away matches, when you see how many fans follow us. It is something very special."

Special is one word oft used to describe Götze, man of the match in the first leg in Ukraine on 13 February, when he laid on Robert Lewandowski's equaliser before half-time. Already a regular with Dortmund and Germany, the attacking midfielder is loving life with the Bundesliga champions, but is determined to remain grounded.

"It is always positive when you get a lot of praise, but you should handle it the right way," he said. "If you play well, you are praised; if you play badly, you are criticised. Everyone should try to manage it the way they want to."

To hear more from Götze on Dortmund, the Shakhtar first leg and his rise to becoming one of Europe's most coveted players, click on the video above.