Borussia seems to improvise, but one goal is enough for the three points which are worth the momentary lead
He wins, even without being enthusiastic. Borussia Dortmund, included in Milan’s Champions League group, beat Werder Bremen 1-0 and momentarily rises to the top of the Bundesliga table. This is the fifth victory in a row for Reus and his teammates, but they are unable to express themselves like last year. The yellow-blacks do not move as a team and live on the intuitions of individuals. The goal, which arrived midway through the second half (67′), was born from a classy double play: first Emre Can did well to serve Brandt, who in turn was quick and clever in understanding how to surprise the opposing goalkeeper. However, there is no feeling that the team is following a precise score. But as long as it is enough to get the 3 points, even the improvisation of the individuals is more than enough.
THE RACE
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Dortmund took the field with a 4-5-1, with Süle left on the bench and therefore with Hummels and Schlotterbeck at the center of defence. Reus, Brandt and Malen wide on the wing. Dortmund started better, creating the first opportunity in the 6th minute (Malen’s shot which Zetterer was careful about), but then became dangerous again in the 8th minute (Wolf’s header just wide) and in the 25th minute (Ryerson from distance). Werder holds on, albeit with difficulty, and puts the yellow and blacks in difficulty with sudden counterattacks that Dortmund have often suffered at the start of the season. In the 32nd minute it was Reus who had a sensational opportunity: following an assist from Brandt the former captain fired from an excellent position. The hosts continue to push and create again in the 39th minute: Nmecha breaks through on the left and serves Malen in tow. However, the Dutchman was caught slightly off-beat and was unable to make a good impact with the ball which ended up in the hands of the opposing goalkeeper. Zetterer is also attentive in the 45th minute, when he makes a good save on Malen.
THE RECOVERY
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In the second half Dortmund controlled the match without really managing to accelerate the pace. The individuals must therefore think about resolving the match: Emre Can is brilliant in serving Brandt on the run, very elegant, with a touch underneath, in bypassing Zetterer on the way out. He does not convince Werder’s reaction, which remains rather passive even after the disadvantage and is therefore unable to create real scoring opportunities to equalize. Dortmund took advantage of this to lower the center of gravity and put the match to sleep which in fact ended 1-0, without any major upheavals (well done Kobel on Njinmah in the 82nd minute, but otherwise Bremen were nowhere to be seen). Not a great performance, but it was enough for Borussia to get their fifth win in a row and move to the top of the table. At least for one night.
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