Much improved, no goals
Desperate BVB is threatened with a quick CL knockout
October 4, 2023, 10:55 p.m
Borussia Dortmund is running. Again and again. But in the second group game of the Champions League against AC Milan, the effort was not rewarded with results. The proliferation of opportunities is gigantic. However, on both sides, because the Italians are also good at the game.
A lot of effort, little return: The greatly improved runner-up Borussia Dortmund is threatened with a quick end in the Champions League. Despite a committed performance, coach Edin Terzic’s team had to settle for a 0-0 draw against 19-time Italian champions AC Milan. Before the two duels with Newcastle United, BVB, as bottom of the table in the strong Group F, has its back to the wall.
In contrast to the frightening false start in the defeat at Paris St. Germain (0-2), the hosts, who were loudly encouraged by their fans, presented themselves much more courageously, but lacked efficiency. Without a goal after two games, like two years ago, the preliminary round of the premier class could be the end of the line.
Terzić ordered his captain Emre Can, who had recently been relegated to the bench, into the starting line-up in front of 81,365 spectators – and after a mistake by the national player, the guests appeared dangerous in front of Gregor Kobel’s goal for the first time. But the prudent Mats Hummels saved in dire need against Tommaso Pobega (4th). After three lackluster victories in the Bundesliga, BVB didn’t take much time on the offensive. The strong Donyell Malen missed clearly (6th).
It was a balanced and entertaining encounter with opportunities on both sides. National player Malick Thiaw narrowly missed a header for last season’s semi-finalists after a corner (16th), Malen (27th) and Niclas Füllkrug (31st), who was once again preferred in attack over the weak Sebastien Haller, failed at Dortmund .
Dortmund appeared to be extremely active and energetic, but the hosts always had to be on guard defensively. In particular, Milan’s strong left side with Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao caused BVB some problems. In addition, Olivier Giroud suddenly appeared in front of Kobel, but the French striker lofted the ball over the box from close range (37th). Hernandez also narrowly missed the shot from the edge of the penalty area (45′).
The intense and competitive game continued even after the change. The BVB supporters celebrated every duel they won, but Terzic’s team still didn’t live up to all expectations despite good approaches. Milan also remained dangerous through Leao and Hernandez, with right-back Julian Ryerson having to do a lot of work.
Kobel was also challenged and strongly prevented a deficit against former Dortmund player Christian Pulisic (54th). BVB found it a little more difficult to attack in this phase and lacked precision in the final third of the game. Terzic reacted and brought on Karim Adeyemi for Julian Brandt in the 65th minute, but Milan now had the upper hand and at times pushed BVB to their own penalty area. But Dortmund managed to provide relief again. Substitute Felix Nmecha (89th) shot just wide.