Winners and losers of the game as well as individual criticism of the Borussia Dortmund players

After a wild final phase, BVB did not get beyond a 3:3 against VfB Stuttgart. While one attacker in particular shone, two defenders ensured that the gap to FC Bayern is still two points.

Match winner: Donyell Malen (BVB)

How much self-confidence can change! After a long, messed-up season, the Dutchman has quietly become Borussia Dortmund’s most in-form attacker. He prepared the 1:0 worth seeing, the 2:0 was probably his best action in the BVB jersey since his change.

Loser of the game: Julian Ryerson (BVB)

The right-back had big problems against the fast Stuttgart team, and his poor duel behavior repeatedly posed major problems for the BVB defence. When he conceded the first goal, he lost the decisive duel against Coulibaly. At this point, Dortmund’s Soumaïla Coulibaly, who caused the 3: 3, should also be mentioned – but a 19-year-old can’t be expected to keep calm in such a wild final phase on his Bundesliga debut.

Loser of the match: Konstantinos Mavropanos (VfB Stuttgart)

Weakened his already battered team by being sent off. After only being shown a yellow card for a tactical foul in the 35th minute, he knocked Malen off his feet four minutes later. The Dutchman still had a long way to go. A completely unnecessary action in such a tight relegation battle. He is missing in the not entirely unimportant game against FC Augsburg on Friday.

VfB Stuttgart vs. BVB: The line-ups

BVB: goalkeeper

Gregory Kobel: In his 100th Bundesliga game, the usual secure support with the special moments. This is also the case with his fabulous foot defense when Guirassy shot (29th). Without a chance when conceding the first goal (78th). At 2: 2 and 3: 3 he could only watch the ball. Note 3.

BVB: Defense

Julian Ryerson: Didn’t always look good against Stuttgart’s strong left attacking side, in some scenes he even seemed a bit overwhelmed – also before Guirassy’s big chance. Just let Coulibaly pass in front of his goal to make it 2-1. Frequently went into attack in the first half, which seems to suit him better at right-back than at the other end. Should still dare more. grade: 5

Emre Can: Since Schlotterbeck (torn muscle fiber) and Süle (muscular problems) also had to pass, the national player moved back to central defence. Struggled with pain early in the game after a kick to the shin. This is probably one of the reasons why Millot let go, whereupon he almost prepared the 1-0 for VfB (5th). Initiated Dortmund’s first big chance with a great pass (10th). In addition, with many important ball conquests and an extremely strong pass rate (97.6 percent). Was lucky that his challenge against Millot was not penalized (37th). But he was unlucky when he deflected Coulibaly’s shot into his own goal. Grade: 2.5.

Mats Hummels: Was lucky that his rescue effort did not end up in his own net (19th). Also wide awake in the other scenes when he was needed (eight clarifying actions). His working day ended at the break. He went into the game with a slight cold. Grade: 2.

Raphael Guerreiro: Was not only found on the left flank. The Portuguese helped to build up in the half-space and at the same time lived out his offensive urge. This also applies to his chance to make it 1-0 when he suddenly appeared on the right side of the box (10′). Had his feet in the game at 3-2. Defensively, he was only challenged in the second half by Vagnoman and later by Silas. These converted the spaces that Guerreiro offered through his offensive style of play into a goal shortly before the end. His airy defensive behavior in these scenes remains his great shortcoming. All in all, however, it was another application for a new contract. Note 3.

BVB: Midfield

Salih Ozcan: Acted in the can role as protection against the defense and presented himself similarly poisonous in a duel. In the 3rd minute of the game, he really hit it for the first time. But not quite at Can’s level when playing with the ball. His passes rarely gained space, but they almost always found a teammate. The situation before the 2:2, when the ball bounced from him to Vagnoman, could or should have been solved differently. grade: 4

Jude Bellingham: Unusually restrained initial phase, which was also due to his somewhat more defensive role. In terms of real tactics, he mostly acted alongside Özcan instead of, as is so often the case, as an additional man behind the strikers. That’s why he came to many duels, most of which he won. Hit the bar shortly after the restart with his first offensive action. He is still a little behind his former top form this season. Grade: 3.5.

Julian Brandt: The invigorating element in the first half hour between midfield and the offensive row of three. Sometimes in the right half space, sometimes he gave the ten and sometimes he started behind Haller. However, he didn’t have the really big moments – also because he dived a bit as the game went on. Grade: 3.5.

BVB: Attack

Donyell Paint: Often tore gaps with his deep runs against the densely staggered VfB defence. At least 50 percent of the opening goal belongs to him when he wet Stuttgart’s Anton and did everything right with his low cross. Even better was his dribbling against half the defense before his goal to make it 2-0 (33rd). Also provoked the yellow-red card for Mavropanos. Note 1.

Sebastien Haller: Fixed the balls in front in the usual manner and served the fast outside. However, as is so often the case, he was hardly involved in the game during longer periods of possession. Significantly, he made it 1-0 with his seventh ball contact (an unstoppable shot) (26th). Grade: 2.5.

Karim Adeyemi: By far the most inconspicuous BVB player in the first 45 minutes. On the one hand, he rarely made the right decision, on the other hand, he remained without a degree. Significantly improved at the beginning of the second period, in this short phase he would have earned a scorer point. But he dismantled it just as quickly. grade: 4

BVB: Substitute

Soumaila Coulibaly: Entered the field after the break for Hummels (46th) and thus made his Bundesliga debut. A short time later he had to digest the first moment of shock when he let Guirassy escape – luckily for him the VfB striker was just offside. Also not always on the post as a result. At 3: 3 then the very unlucky one when he missed the ball. A used day for the 19-year-old. grade: 5

Marco Reus: Was substituted on for Brandt after 63 minutes and had a chance to make it 3-0 (65 ‘) after taking the ball well. Also hit the bar (76th). Also otherwise very playful and with some good approaches. Grade: 2.5.

Youssoufa Moukoko: Was allowed to play for Haller (63rd) to ensure more speed against the decimated Stuttgart team in the last third. However, he no longer had much influence on the events. Grade: 3.5.

Jamie Bynoe Gittens: Also got plenty of time to prove himself (69th). He didn’t match Malen’s qualities that afternoon for a long time before he played a large part in the supposed winning goal. Coulibaly should have been able to interfere with VfB’s goal. Note 3.

Giovanni Reyna: Came into play for Adeyemi in the 82nd minute. In the third minute of added time, he scored the 3-2 goal that was so important in the fight for the championship, but it was equalized in the end. No rating.