Borussia Dortmund escaped the Bundesliga top four on Friday night with their second straight loss as they were largely beaten by rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, who had already lost the last 11 meetings between the teams.
The hosts had the ball in the net after just 43 seconds, before Florian Neuhaus’s strike was called off after VAR ruled Jude Bellingham had been fouled in the build-up. However, they did not let go and found the breakthrough in the 11th minute, as Nico Elvedi was entitled to a ten-yard free header to set his team in place.
Dortmund responded well and moved ahead soon after as Jadon Sancho assisted Erling Haaland’s two quick goals before the half hour mark. BVB couldn’t hold on to the lead, however, as Elvedi clinched his second just four minutes later with a single tap to tie the game at 2-2.
A whole match that we have in our hands ⏸ pic.twitter.com/21uiZsOOyT
– Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 22, 2021
The hosts came out of the half hungrier than their opponents and regained the lead within five minutes of the restart – poor defense allowing Ramy Bensebaini to find the bottom corner at an acute angle. A header from Marcus Thuram eventually sealed all three points for Mönchengladbach, who replaced his visitors in the top four.
Now alongside Dortmund.
Roman Burki (GK) – 4/10 – I made a good early save, but lost it afterwards. Lacked any sort of leadership from his region and showed calamitous hands for Mönchengladbach’s equalizer.
Mateu Morey (RB) – 6/10 – Was at fault for Fohlen’s third goal as he left too much room off, but overall he had a decent game. Stopping some counterattacks, while progressing successfully.
Manuel Akanji (CB) – 6/10 – Made a crucial interception ahead of his team’s second and had the bad luck not to score, after having an effort well stopped by Yann Sommer. But the Swiss got caught several times, including losing his man for the first goal.
Mats Hummels (CB) – 5/10 – Looked tired and was unusually sloppy when passing the ball to midfield. Not his best game.
Raphael Guerreiro (LB) – 6/10 – He found himself in decent positions at times and came close to making 3-3 but for a good Sommer save.
Emre Can (CM) – 5/10 – An effort was dramatically wiped off the line with a score of 1-1, but the German had a bad game other than that. Was responsible for the final goal as he was beaten way too easily by Thuram in midair.
Jude Bellingham (CM) – 7/10 – One of the brightest sparks for Dortmund. The young Englishman was full of energy as he made great descents forward and found pockets of space. This was crucial in BVB’s first goal as his vision allowed him to find Sancho beautifully in construction.
Marco Reus (AM) – 5/10 – Really struggled to make an impact against his old club. Completed a single dribble throughout his time on the court and made a key pass before being lifted off. A night to forget.
LETHAL FINISHER? pic.twitter.com/MHuq8mORdo
– Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 22, 2021
Julian Brandt (RW) – 6/10 – Had a solid output. Class shown with a few touches, while providing a threat in the final third, making some key passes and precise crosses. Unlucky not to get help.
Erling Haaland (ST) – 8/10 – No prizes for guessing who was Dortmund’s man of the match. The Norwegian was once again the star for BVB, scoring two beautifully taken goals in the top 45. Provide it and it will score.
Jadon Sancho (LW) – 8/10 – Not far behind Haaland was Sancho. The Englishman had a very good game on the left wing. Won two great assists and was influential throughout the game, ending the game with 86 touches.
70 | First switch:
➡️ Reyna
⬅️ Reus#BMGBVB 3-2 pic.twitter.com/2Zhe2o65dT– Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 22, 2021
Gio Reyna (AM) – 6/10 – Did a much better job of creativity than Reus, whom he replaced. The American managed an 85% passing accuracy and set up a chance for Guerreiro to make it 3-3.
Youssoufa Moukoko (ST) – 6/10
Steffen Tigges (ST) – N / A
