With an away win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund has taken the lead in the Bundesliga for the time being. The VAR was also in focus twice.
On Saturday (February 25th, 2023) BVB won 1-0 (1-0) in Sinsheim. The goal scorer of the day was the in-form Julian Brandt (43rd), who was able to celebrate his fourth goal in the fourth game in a row. Due to the success, Dortmund initially overtakes record champions Bayern Munich and is at the top of the table with 46 points. Munich and Union Berlin (both 43 points) meet on Sunday (5.30 p.m.) in a direct duel.
Hoffenheim courageous, BVB sorts itself first
BVB coach Edin Terzic made five changes compared to the 4-1 home win over Hertha BSC, including Karim Adeyemi (torn thigh muscle) being replaced by Sébastien Haller.
When working against the ball, it was not surprising that BVB had to sort itself out against courageous Hoffenheim. However, TSG lacked ideas in the last third in their urge phase, so that BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel waited a long time for a first test. He was only challenged when Christoph Baumgartner and Ozan Kabak had a double chance (17th).
Dortmund is developing clear chances
After the TSG urge phase, however, Dortmund had a clear chance and fired 14 shots on goal in the first half, Hoffenheim only two. Haller failed twice at 1899 goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (34th, 35th).
Consequently, BVB was able to celebrate the lead before the break whistle. Brandt decisively extended a free-kick from Marco Reus with his back. Dortmund suddenly pressed, but TSG, suddenly overwhelmed, saved themselves in the half-time break.
VAR Confusion: Two Scenes, Two Ratings
The second round was all about VAR. Inevitably the focus: referee Martin Petersen, who rated two similar scenes differently.
First, Kevin Akpoguma went down in a duel with Dortmund’s Emre Can TSG man. Petersen awarded a free kick. However, the video sequence made it clear that Can Akpoguma hit the heel clearly in the penalty area. Petersen subsequently decided, however, that this was not enough for a foul that deserved punishment: therefore there was a referee ball.
The second VAR mission destroyed the supposed 2-0 by Dortmund’s Marius Wolf. Again, the reason for the check was a clear contact at the heel, BVB defender Nico Schlotterbeck had hit Ihlas Bebou in the creation of the goal. This time Petersen punished this as a foul and called off the BVB goal.
Dortmund saves leadership to the finish
In the final phase the game offered an exchange of blows with chances for both sides. A draw would have been possible for TSG, who had two more shots on goal in the half.
Joker Fisnik Asllani had a great chance to equalize (85′). But Dortmund’s Jew Bellingham also hit the post (90+3).
BVB asks for the top game, TSG in Mainz
At the start of the 23rd matchday, Borussia Dortmund welcomes RB Leipzig under floodlights for the top game (Friday, 8.30 p.m.). Meanwhile, Hoffenheim is challenged in Mainz (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.).