Europa League: Lazio v Borussia Monchengladbach preview

Alvaro Dominguez: Confident of beating Lazio

Borussia Monchengladbach defender Alvaro Dominguez is confident smart play can outfox Lazio in Thursday's Europa League tie.

The Serie A side clinched a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 3-3 at Borussia-Park in the last-32 first-leg tie last week, after Gladbach had scored twice in four minutes in the final stages of an action-packed match to pull ahead.

However, despite being on the back foot due to Lazio's three away goals, Dominguez feels the Bundesliga side can overcome the Italians in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (kick-off 6pm GMT).

"We are flying to Rome full of confidence," Dominguez told the club's official website.

"We will have the support of 10,000 fans, which gives us additional confidence. If we play smart and patient, we will get our chances - we can compete against Lazio.

"We have shown that in the first leg."

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also confident about Gladbach's chances.

He said: "We're fully focussed on the return match in Rome. Even if it won't be easy, we can get a result there."

Gladbach have also received a boost as striker Branimir Hrgota has returned to training for the first time since he picked up an ankle injury against Bayer Leverkusen on February 9.

Striker Peniel Mlapa has also resumed training following a hamstring problem but tomorrow's game might come too soon for him.

Gladbach lost their last Bundesliga match, a 1-0 defeat by Hamburg, but Lazio's problems are arguably bigger as they are winless in their last five games in all competitions.

A 3-0 defeat to bottom of the table Siena last weekend was another big blow, with coach Vladimir Petkovic left to apologise to fans for his choice of tactics.

After the game, he said: "There are no excuses for this defeat. We have to apologise to the fans because tonight they did not see the real Lazio.

"I did not need to raise my voice at the players - they are smart and know what they have done wrong.

"I take responsibility for the team and the tactics, but you have to compliment Siena for the way they played."