Now Real Madrid is waiting
©IMAGO
Borussia Dortmund II is in the final of the Premier League International Cup U21. The Westphalia team beat Real Sociedad B 2-0 (0-0) in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening. The game initially had few chances for long stretches before Taycan Etcibasi gave BVB the lead in the 68th minute. Substitute Ousmane Diallo scored the final point in the 90th minute. The squad for the team led by Dortmund’s U19 coach Felix Hirschnagl included Almugera Kabar, who last played for Niko Kovac’s first team in the 2025/26 season in April.
The Spaniards had the best opportunity during a tough first half when Unax Agote was denied by BVB keeper Robin Held from a tight angle. After the break, Dortmund appeared more active, first approaching through Kabar and shortly afterwards through Etcibasi, before the game tipped over: Tony Reitz played the decisive interface pass in the 68th minute, Etcibasi rounded the goalkeeper and pushed in to take the lead.
Real Sociedad had to risk more in the final phase, but couldn’t find a way back into the game against Dortmund, who defended consistently. Instead, Diallo decided the game in stoppage time when he moved into the penalty area from the left and shot into the far corner to make it 2-0. This rewarded BVB for a patient, more mature performance after the break and made it to the final without conceding a goal. Real Madrid’s youngsters are now waiting in the final, winning against Dinamo Zagreb II after extra time.
Hirschnagl praised his team after the game: “When I look at the opponent’s starting line-up, there were a lot of players from the 2005 vintage there, so they were real men. Hats off to how much heart our boys defended and accepted the duels with. Nevertheless, they took control of the game with their style. Of course, there were moments in which we had to push through. Although we were very strong offensively, everyone was still willing to suffer and work.”
Thomas Broich, sporting director at BVB’s youth performance center, chimed in: “The boys did very well. For over 90 minutes, we were always impressive in terms of football and defended intensively. We were completely in tune with our game idea, I can’t say anything more.”
