Dortmund Gets Goetze Blow before Madrid Visit

Borussia Dortmund's preparations for Wednesday's Champions League semifinal match against Real Madrid have been hit by news that its player is transferring to Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

On the eve of what it calls "the most spectacular home game in Borussia Dortmund's history," the first leg has been overshadowed by Mario Goetze's decision to join Bayern on July 1.

Bayern, which is triggering Goetze's reported release clause of 37 million euros ($48 million), said Tuesday it wanted to delay the announcement "out of consideration" for Wednesday's game, but Dortmund was left struggling to minimize its impact.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said on Tuesday it is very disappointed, but stresses Goetze and his agent acted in keeping with his contract.

Goetze's Facebook page quickly became a target for abusive messages from disappointed fans, and Dortmund appealed to supporters to continue to support the 20-year-old player "unconditionally."

Dortmund, the Bundesliga champion in the previous two seasons, hasn't yet heard from officials at Bayern, the newly crowned champion.

Bayern has already signed Pep Guardiola as coach for next season.