After the home defeat against 1899 Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund has returned to the Bundesliga. On Saturday (March 2nd, 2024), BVB earned a 2-0 (1-0) win at 1. FC Union Berlin.
Karim Adeyemi (41′) took the lead for BVB at the “Alte Försterei” with a beautiful left-footed shot from the right edge of the penalty area. Ian Maatsen (90th) made the decision shortly before the end. Dortmund (44 points), who had not won three competitive games before, maintained fourth place with the away win. “Not many teams win at Union,” said BVB coach Edin Terzic at the Sportschau microphone, “and that’s why we’re very happy today.”
Union Berlin suffered its first defeat at home under coach Nenad Bjelica and is in 14th place with 25 points. “Borussia Dortmund was simply more efficient. We didn’t take advantage of our chances, especially in the first half hour,” said Bjelica in the Sportschau interview firmly.
Adeyemi will be in the starting lineup for the first time in 2024
Terzic brought Adeyemi into the starting line-up for the first time since November for the suspended Donyell Malen. Niklas Süle returned to the starting lineup in defense. But first the guests had to breathe deeply. BVB almost got off to a start, as was the case recently in the 2:3 against 1899 Hoffenheim, when Dortmund started an early deficit themselves. After a mistake in the build-up, Union quickly switched gears. Kevin Volland passed through to Lucas Tousart, who, however, aimed from half-right just past the far corner (6′).
Afterwards, it was clear to the guests that they were initially playing it safe. “There was the feeling that we took a little too long, that (the defeat against Hoffenheim, editor’s note) Terzic analyzed. Union controlled the game, played forward quickly and with a lot of energy – but without the big scenes towards the Dortmund goal. Terzic’s team only appeared in front of the Union after more than half an hour, but then they were extremely dangerous -Crate.
Rönnow was strong on the line twice – and then beaten
Nico Schlotterbeck (35th) pushed an extended corner towards the goal, but Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow was still there and prevented the deficit. A little later, when Julian Brandt deflected a Maatsen shot, Rönnow was there with a strong reflex (38th).
Sports show, March 2nd, 2024 5:40 p.m
Dortmund picked up speed. Terzic had Jadon Sancho and Adeyemi swap wings and the measure bore fruit almost immediately. Adeyemi broke through on the right, moved inwards on the edge of the penalty area and with his strong left foot hammered the ball under the crossbar on the left for his first goal of the season and the 1-0. The goal finally gave BVB security and the Westphalians had things under control until the break.
Volland with a huge chance to equalize
The guests also had the first strong scene in the second half, but Rönnow was again on point with a strong save against Niclas Füllkrug (52nd). On the other hand, Kobel representative Alexander Meyer prevented the equalizer from close range in a one-on-one against Volland (56th). “We had to do it, of course,” Volland told Sportschau, “it was a huge opportunity.”
What looked like a lively start turned out to be a tough game overall. Dortmund didn’t dare to do much, Union lacked the resources. Duels, bad passes, fouls and weak finishes dominated the picture. Only in the final phase did Berlin put a little more pressure on. Mayer once again cleared well against a Vertessen shot (86th).
Union then initiated the decision itself. Josip Juranovic was the last man to lose the ball against an energetic Maatsen and the Dutchman stayed cool in front of the Union goal. 2:0. In the end, BVB took the points undeservedly thanks to a few strong scenes. “It was a fighting game,” summarized goalscorer Adeyemi in the Sportschau interview, “but we accepted it.”
Dortmund to Bremen, Union to Stuttgart
On matchday 25, Borussia Dortmund has to play away again. On Saturday (March 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m.) BVB will play at Werder Bremen. Union Berlin is already a guest at VfB Stuttgart on Friday evening (8.30 p.m.).