Winner of the game, grades and individual criticism of the pros from Borussia Dortmund

Not pretty, but all the more successful: Borussia Dortmund’s incredible winning streak in 2023 continues. After the hard-fought 2-1 victory in the top game over RB Leipzig, BVB climbed back to the top of the table at the start of the 23rd matchday.

Up front, BVB left a lot to be desired this time and some of the heroes in midfield weren’t able to build on the performance of the past few weeks. After their tenth win in a row, eight of them in the league, they won’t care. Especially since a black and yellow entered the history books of Westphalia.

Winner: Marco Reus

The captain with an extra layer in terms of legendary status: His goal to make it 1-0 was also Reus’ 159th competitive goal for BVB. He caught up with the Borussia icon Michael Zorc in Dortmund’s all-time top scorer list. Maybe a reason to extend the contract with black and yellow, which is due to expire in the summer? Even leader Adi Preißler (177) is no longer unattainable for Reus.

Loser: Salih Ozcan

Great fighting spirit, a lot of running, but simply overwhelmed in many places. Özcan had great trouble keeping the Leipzig game away from his own goal. Sometimes only knew how to help himself with unfair means. A latent uncertainty factor for the Dortmund game. He offered himself for a substitution much earlier than the 82nd minute.

Borussia Dortmund vs. RB Leipzig: The line-ups

BVB: goalkeeper

Alexander Meyer: With a cold start in the first eleven because regular keeper Kobel injured himself while warming up. Clarified Haidara’s long-range shot in the follow-up (5th). Luckily, Szoboszlai’s block ended up in goal after his uncertainty (37th). In the final phase, he was strong against the hasty Nkunku and also against Silva (69th). Held the victory in stoppage time at Forsberg’s long-distance cracker. Grade: 2.5

BVB: Defense

Marius Wolf: With the dream pass to Captain Reus, which led to the penalty. Super eager, with a huge amount of running and most of Dortmund’s ball actions before the break (79). Unfortunately very often too imprecise and now and then overzealous. Again with too many turnovers (17). Note 3

Nico Schlotterbeck: With the rescue tackle against Nkunku, otherwise BVB would have been chasing a deficit early on (3rd). The defense chief came too late against Henrichs (34th), which could have been dangerous. Strong pass rate (89 percent). In stoppage time with the shoulder block on the line that saved BVB’s victory. Grade: 2.5

Niklas Sule: Overall, a solid performance in central defence. Noticeably held back with forward excursions. In the meantime, however, like the entire Dortmund defense, he lost track of something. Grade: 3.5

Julian Ryerson: Very committed performance by the Norwegian, even if the crosses could come from the left with much more precision. But he made up for all the deficits with meters and his strength in duels. Conceived a tunnel against Silva that almost became expensive (48th). Note 3

BVB: Midfield

Emre Can: The old and the new Can in just one game. Against Leipzig, the all-rounder started with a stick error like before. Very lucky that Nkunku didn’t accept the gift (7th). But then again one of the best Borussia, like last time. First boiled Silva and shortly afterwards thundered the ball into the net to make it 2-0 (39th). Note 3

Jude Bellingham: His pass before Brandt supposedly made it 1-0 was worth the entrance fee alone (13′). He repeated an almost identical feat just a few minutes later. With his own chance in front of the RB goal, it was far too ornate (55th). Rarely showed his teeth during Leipzig’s period of urgency – he can do better than that. Note 3

Salih Ozcan: Somewhat very rustic use against Henrichs in the center circle – rightly penalized with yellow. Luckily for Dortmund, Szoboszlai did not punish his bad pass in the 71st minute. Overwhelmed with increasing playing time to bring calm to defensive midfield. Grade: 4.5

BVB: Attack

Julian Brandt: Acceptance of the ball, conclusion – a total work of art. Unfortunately, the hand was still on before. But still one of the best Borussia. A lot of self-confidence, strong ideas. Was just stopped by Gvardiol just before the break. However, he dived more and more in the second half. Note 3

Marco Reus: Penalty taken, penalty sunk with nerves of steel: Dortmund’s Mister Einsnull struck again (21′). The fourth goal of the season for the captain. Almost went one better from the edge of the penalty area in the 67th minute, but found his master in Leipzig’s keeper Blaswich. Grade: 2.5

Sebastien Haller: Had an incredibly difficult time against the compact Leipzig defense. Only 18 times on the ball in the first round. Even in the air duel he could hardly assert himself. Tried to find his way into the game anyway. Redeemed by coach Terzic in the 72nd minute. Grade: 4.5

BVB: Substitute

Anthony Modest: Had to replace Haller in the last 20 minutes as he ran out of fuel. Without the hoped-for big moment. No rating

Jamie Bynoe Gittens: Came onto the field for Captain Reus in the 72nd minute. However, this did not provide the hoped-for relief in forward gear. Could hardly prevail. No rating

Mahmoud Dahoud: Replaced Özcan in the 82nd minute and at least brought some structure back into the Dortmund game. Rating: No rating

Mats Hummels: Came in for Brandt in the closing stages to salvage the narrow result over time. No rating