On Friday evening (September 2nd, 2022) Borussia Dortmund moved up to the top of the Bundesliga at least overnight after a narrow but deserved 1-0 win against 1899 Hoffenheim.
Dortmund’s opening goal by Mario Reus was preceded by a dream pass from Julian Brandt: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens played the ball from the left half-field into the middle to Brandt, who with a trick transported it directly into the running path of the starting Reus. Luckily for Borussia, Jude Bellingham, who was also on hand, missed, Reus confidently converted from close range and was untenable for Oliver Baumann in the visitors’ box.
Hoffenheim still had little access to the game and almost had to accept the 0: 2: Anthony Modeste Bynoe-Gittens served Bellingham and Reus with a perfect cross pass. The young star actually only had to push in from six yards out, but didn’t hit the ball properly (23′). Reus also missed the visitors’ goal after Thomas Meunier played a good pass to Bellingham, who dropped the Englishman’s heel for Reus.
Hoffenheim improved in the second half of the game
After the break, during which coach André Breitenreiter made three changes in the team at TSG, Dortmund started again with more commitment. But the guests from the Kraichgau were quickly able to develop more game shares and, above all, goal situations. But Gerogino Rutter (53′) and André Kramaric (60′) missed from a distance.
Hoffenheim hoped for the equalizer, but didn’t manage to create further scoring chances through gaps in the well-stocked BVB defence. The substitution of TSG attacker Munas Dabbur did not bring the desired success either. Modeste had the last big chance of the game when he converted an inaccurate pass from Thorgan Hazard with a long-range shot, but missed.
BVB for months without Dahoud
Before the game, Dortmund announced that the team would have to do without Mahmoud Dahoud for months and possibly even until the early winter break due to the World Cup. The midfielder needs surgery on his shoulder, which has popped out twice. “Unfortunately he won’t be playing again until November”said sports director Sebastian Kehl on Friday evening in the run-up to the league home game against TSG Hoffenheim on DAZN. “It just wasn’t possible anymore, which is why, after consulting the doctors, he decided to have his shoulder operated on.”
Dortmund to the top game in Leipzig
On Matchday 6, Borussia Dortmund has to travel to Leipzig for the top game (Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at 3.30 p.m.). Hoffenheim host 1.FSV Mainz 05 on the same day (3:30 p.m.).