Dortmund stay tuned. BVB continues its strong home series and also wins the Borussia duel with Mönchengladbach 5:2. With that, Dortmund is back on Bayern’s heels, except for one point. The winners and losers of the game, the grades and individual reviews of the black and yellow professionals.
Only in the meantime was it a little shaky for the title contender from Westphalia, because the second row came into play when the score was supposedly clear and everything didn’t work out as wonderfully as it did for long stretches of the game. Especially in the first half, BVB played magic on the offensive and was happy about the double pack of a storm hero. The Westphalians may have to improve their defense – problems on the flanks could become the sticking point in the race for the championship.
Here is the match report.
Match winner: Sebastien Haller (BVB)
A dream goal with a hack, one with a no-frills direct acceptance, plus the strong preparation of the first Dortmund goal: it couldn’t be better. In the short time that Haller has been available to BVB again after a long illness, he has already scored seven goals this season. No matter how the current season ends – the fans of Borussia Dortmund can already look forward to a stormy coming season.
Loser of the game: Daniel Farke (coach Gladbach)
The first half was like a self-abandonment. Gladbach was defeated in all respects. The performance was probably the low point of the weak foal season that has already ended. It should be tight for coach Daniel Farke.
Loser of the game: Julian Ryerson (BVB)
Difficult to impossible to pick a loser in view of the next Dortmund home gala. The only one who dropped a bit in the ultimately sovereign victory over Borussia vom Niederrhein was the Norwegian. As in the last few weeks, Ryerson’s fighting spirit couldn’t hide some technical deficits. Defensively he wasn’t always secure and there wasn’t enough going forward either. Coach Terzic released the full-back after just over an hour.
Gregory Kobel: With his paw on the spot against Hofmann’s shot (12th). That could have been the balance. With a little uncertainty in the header from Gladbach’s Friedrich (35th). No chance for a penalty (75th). Huge save just before the end against Stindl, otherwise it would have been tight again. Grade: 2.5.
BVB: defender
Marius Wolf: Didn’t allow much on the right side of Dortmund’s defence. But somewhat slowed down in his offensive drive. Didn’t make a big mistake, but didn’t stand out as clearly as the last time. Nice conclusion from a distance only in injury time – unfortunately not precise enough. Grade: 3.5.
Niklas Sule: Without major problems against the mostly harmless guests from Gladbach. Even had time for a few trips into the opposing half. The giant even tried an overhead kick and a shot on goal from 25 meters – both quite passable. Must go more consistently to the shooter Stindl for the second goal (86th). Note 3.
Mats Hummels: Led the team back onto the field as captain because Marco Reus is currently only available on the bench. Another sovereign performance by the Dortmund defense chief, who was also the first build-up player in his team. Was allowed to go down after an hour – for protection. Note 3.
Julian Ryerson: Had a difficult time on the left side of Dortmund’s defense against the agile Gladbacher Hofmann and the moving up Lainer. With far too many ball losses – despite an early substitution after less than an hour, he made it to a whopping 13th offensive without much effect. Grade: 4.5.
BVB: midfielder
Emre Can: Skillfully pulled the strings in defensive midfield and ran into many holes before they became too dangerous. Four key ball wins in the first half. If necessary, just kick the ball into the ranks – BVB needs one like that too. Moved into central defense in the last half hour and saved for the beaten Kobel on the line (76th). Grade: 2.5.
Jude Bellingham: Pulled the Gladbach midfield apart several times with his irresistible start. Just like his chance from a distance (13th). Successfully took charge of the penalty after Adeyemi’s recent save from the point. Note 3.
Julian Brandt: He has also brought corners and free kicks into the penalty area in a much more dangerous way – but otherwise again with many good ideas for the hosts’ offensive game. Starting point of the third Dortmund goal. Grade: 2.5.
BVB: attacker
Donyell Paint: The Dutchman’s crazy run in the new year continues. His ninth goal of the season put Dortmund on course early on. Shortly before the break, Gladbach’s keeper Olschowsky prevented a double pack with a brilliant save. Against Malen’s two assists, however, there was no herb. Rating: 1.5.
Sebastien Haller: Very strong performance by the striker. With the decisive preparatory work before 1:0, a short time later he also took the penalty to make it 2:0 (18th). The Ivorian then scored the third and fourth BVB goal himself. A dream goal with the heel (21st) and then a direct acceptance (32nd). Rating: 1.5.
Karim Adeyemi: Not the big match winner at BVB this time, but still with a good performance. Best BVB duel before the break. Tore deep holes in the Gladbach defense again and again with his dribbles. Always a good address as a play station. Note 3.
BVB: Substitute
Raphael Guerreiro: Replaced the somewhat unlucky Norwegian Ryerson after just over an hour. Brought a little more power for the offensive. Prepared the end of the game with his free kick. Note 3.
Salih Ozcan: Mats Hummels came on the field from the 59th minute to avoid risking a yellow card from the defender. Some good ball wins, but nothing decisive. Grade: 3.5.
Gioro Reyna: Came on for Malen in the 69th minute. Was extremely unlucky in the duel with Bensebaini, who gave the visitors the penalty. Compensated for his clumsiness with the sweeping goal to make it 5: 2 (94th). The noble joker’s seventh goal of the season. Grade: 3.5.
Marco Reus: In the last twenty minutes, the captain was also allowed to help a little – but by then the game was over. Not at all able to set fresh impulses. Grade: 4.5.
Youssoufa Moukoko: Replaced Haller with two eleven minutes before the end. Waited in vain for a chance to score. No rating.
