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'one second from death'

Borussia Dortmund players were ‘one second from death’, following coach attack ahead of Champions League clash

Coach carrying BVB to the Westfalenstadion for quarter-final first leg against Monaco came under attack by three explosions

Borussia Dortmund bus came under attack after three explosions nearby

BORUSSIA DORTMUND players were “one second from death” following their bomb attack, according to Germany’s Federal Police.

The coach carrying BVB to the Westfalenstadion for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Monaco came under attack by three explosions.

 Borussia Dortmund bus came under attack after three explosions nearby
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Borussia Dortmund bus came under attack after three explosions nearbyCredit: Reuters

It resulted in a traumatic 15 minutes which saw windows smashed and defender Marc Bartra rushed to hospital with a broken wrist — and the match called off.


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It is still unclear who was behind the attack, but German Federal officials have confirmed just how serious the situation was.

 Borussia Dortmund players hold up Marc Bartra's shirt before clash with Frankfurt
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Borussia Dortmund players hold up Marc Bartra's shirt before clash with FrankfurtCredit: AP
 Marc Bartra had a successful operation on his wrist after attack on bus
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Marc Bartra had a successful operation on his wrist after attack on busCredit: EPA

Speaking to , a spokesman said: “If the explosions had detonated just one second earlier, all of the bus would have received a massive shock.

“There would surely have been many seriously injured and possibly some deaths.”

That puts into perspective just how serious the event was and how lucky the players were to escape relatively unharmed.

 Dortmund is on high alert after attack on bus ahead of clash against Monaco
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Dortmund is on high alert after attack on bus ahead of clash against MonacoCredit: AP
 Napoli fans produce banner, which reads: "We're with city of Dortmund"
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Napoli fans produce banner, which reads: "We're with city of Dortmund"Credit: AFP

Bartra was the only player to receive injuries of any kind, but has been released from hospital after being successfully operated.

Dortmund players paid tribute to the former Barcelona defender ahead of their 3-1 victory over Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

The clash with Monaco was eventually played the following day, and BVB lost 3-2 — with the second leg to be played on Wednesday.

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