But for Norwegian full-back Julian Ryerson, second place holds little appeal.
Ryerson revealed he no longer even keeps the medal from Dortmund's 2024 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid. "I've said since I was a kid that I don't want to collect second places.
"I've already given away my 2024 Champions League medal, it's somewhere in my parents' cupboard. Second places don't interest me," he told Ruhr Nachrichten after Dortmund's 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig on Sunday.
Despite the draw, Ryerson believes Dortmund's season has started positively. "To be honest, we could have taken more points. But the start makes me optimistic.
"The energy in the team is good, and we fight for each other," he said.
He also praised the team's defensive stability, which has been a key factor in their unbeaten run. "We really wanted to win against Leipzig, even though we didn't create many big chances.
"Overall, we concede very few goals, which gives me confidence," Ryerson added.
Dortmund now focus on maintaining momentum in the Bundesliga while keeping an eye on their Champions League ambitions. Ryerson's attitude signals a squad determined to aim higher than second place this season.
Luciano Spalletti's arrival at Juventus on October 30, has brought renewed belief and direction to Turin, with the veteran coach already stamping his authority after replacing Igor Tudor.
Sebastian Hoeness guided VfB Stuttgart back to winning ways in the Europa League as his side battled to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Feyenoord on Thursday night.
Barcelona's mounting injury list has grown longer after defender Eric Garcia was diagnosed with a nasal fracture following their dramatic 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Alphonso Davies is edging ever closer to a full return for Bayern Munich following a lengthy recovery from a cruciate-ligament injury sustained in March.
