Borussia Dortmund lost 4-2 (3-0) in the top game at FC Bayern Munich on the 26th matchday of the Bundesliga and therefore has to give back the lead in the table to FCB. The grades and individual reviews of all BVB players used.
Match winner: Thomas Tuchel (FC Bayern Munich)
The Bayern bosses no longer trusted Julian Nagelsmann to lead the team from victory to victory in the upcoming crucial games of the season. Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic and Co. were particularly concerned that BVB had overtaken them in the Bundesliga. That’s why Thomas Tuchel was brought in before the top game against Dortmund. And Tuchel delivered what was expected of him: three points. And a convincing performance by the team. After just one week of training, the coach refrained from surprises and relied on the traditional Bavarian 4-2-3-1 and tried and tested staff. His players thanked him and gave Tuchel his first important victory as Bayern coach.
Match winner: Thomas Muller (FC Bayern Munich)
New coach, same game: Thomas Müller is indispensable for Bayern in the important games. Müller not only scored two goals against Dortmund – he was also the player on whom the others could pull themselves up. He walked a lot, gesticulated with sweeping movements, gave commands. The Dortmund defense completely unnerved Müller. Even Tuchel will not get along in this form anytime soon without Thomas Müller.
Loser of the game: Gregor Kobel (BVB)
The Swiss is probably the best keeper in the league this season and has often saved BVB’s ass with outstanding performances. All the more bitter is his gross mistake before the 0:1, when he hit the ball undisturbed and thus initiated the downfall of Dortmund. His second blunder this season – the bankruptcy at Union Berlin was initiated by a very similar faux pas by Kobel.
Loser of the game: Marius Wolf (BVB)
The call-up to the national team should have given the right-back a boost, but Wolf was hopelessly overwhelmed against Bayern. No Dortmund lost more balls than he did, and he hardly had a chance against the fast Coman, not only with Bayern’s fourth goal.
Gregory Kobel: Brought BVB down the loser’s road with his slapstick mistake, which was reminiscent of Kobel’s mistake in the first leg at Union. Also looked unhappy at 0:3. At least stable afterwards, but that couldn’t wipe away the first impression. grade: 5
BVB: Defense
Marius Wolf: Initially had some decent offensive scenes on offer, such as his good dribbling before Dortmund’s first chance to score (7th). Fighting as usual top, but often too far away from Coman against the ball – at 0:4. grade: 5
Niklas Sule: Got under with the hail of goals in the first section, was also not on the post when Goretzka headed the ball (17th) and was never able to give stability to the BVB defense. grade: 5
Nico Schlotterbeck: Nor did BVB gain much more stability than their neighbor Süle, but until he was substituted due to injury, he had won the most balls with Borussia. Lost the aerial duel with preparer de Ligt before the 0:2. Grade: 4.5.
Julian Ryerson: Good start from the left-back who managed some early ball wins. However, his terrible loss of possession in forward gear paved the way to Bayern’s 3-0. As a result, increasingly unsettled. Grade: 4.5.
BVB: Midfield
Emre Can: Not a bit as dominant as last time, was usually easily overplayed in the center and came much too late into the duels, especially against Goretzka, who kept coming up. In contrast to opponent Müller, he reacted too late to Kobel’s rebound before the 0:3. Converted the penalty to 1: 4 confidently. grade: 5
Julian Brandt: Celebrated his comeback after an injury break and tried his best in attack, but almost didn’t succeed. Lost sight of goal scorer Müller at 0:2, whom he had closely guarded seconds earlier. Had to go down for a break. grade: 5
Jude Bellingham: The Englishman is getting further and further away from his former top form. Although he had the most duels with Wolf at BVB, he was unable to assert himself decisively or provide any impetus for the offensive. At least got the penalty to 1:4. Grade: 4.5.
Raphael Guerreiro: The Portuguese was again in eighth position and often on the ball. He often had his feet in the game at the beginning when BVB played forward. But he didn’t have a really brilliant idea either. After the break in action as a left-back and before the 0: 4 far too far away against assist provider Sané. Prepared the 2:4. grade: 5
Marco Reus: After Haller with the fewest ball actions at Borussia in the first half. Had Dortmund’s first chance to score (7th), but let the ball jump too far on the first contact and was blocked. Then, not for the first time in a top game, far too inconspicuous. Substituted after 61 minutes. grade: 5
BVB: Attack
Sebastien Haller: The attacker didn’t win any of his three duels in the first half and had a difficult time against Upamecano and de Ligt. Placed the ball well a couple of times but didn’t bounce more. After the break, recklessly missed the good chance to make it 1:3 (50th) and had to go down after an hour. grade: 5
BVB: Substitute
Mats Hummels: Came into play for the ailing Schlotterbeck in the 44th minute. The only good news: After all, BVB only conceded one more goal with him in the game… Grade: 4.
Donyell Paint: Brandt stayed in the dressing room for the Dutchman at the break. Tried a long-range shot, but it was too central and no problem for Sommer (67′). But scored after a good action to make it 2:4. Grade: 3.5.
Salih Ozcan: Substituted for Ryerson in the second half and joined Can in defensive midfield. Özcan could not solve Dortmund’s big problems with the remaining defense either. Grade: 4.5.
Mahmoud Dahoud: Reus went down for him after 61 minutes. Dahoud, in eighth place, managed to make the connection to the offensive a few times, but nothing of substance came out of it. grade: 4
Youssoufa Moukoko: Replaced Haller after a good hour and was back on the field for the first time since February 11th. He was also unable to stage himself against Bayern’s defence. Grade: 4.5.
