Much improved, no goals
“Unclever” BVB is threatened with a quick CL knockout
October 4, 2023, 10:55 p.m
Borussia Dortmund runs again and again. But in the second group game of the Champions League against AC Milan, the effort was not rewarded with results. Striker Niclas Füllkrug is happy about a successful game, but puts his finger in the wound.
Mats Hummels and Co. sank to the ground dejected, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzić struggled on the sidelines. After the 0-0 draw against 19-time Italian champions AC Milan, BVB is threatened with an early exit from the Champions League. With just one point from two games, BVB is bottom of the strong Group F with its back to the wall – now Dortmund has to survive against PSG terror Newcastle United.
Niclas Füllkrug admitted to DAZN that the draw didn’t feel like a point won, but “more like” two points lost. “We showed a good performance, I thought we were very superior, but a little unclever at times,” said Füllkrug and added: “Everything is possible in this group, you can’t write anyone off here for a long time.” This was shown not least by Newcastle’s surprising 4-1 win against group favorites Paris St. Germain in the parallel game.
In contrast to the frightening false start in the defeat at PSG (0-2), the Dortmund team 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. “I think we played a decent game in terms of commitment, will and willingness to run. But what was missing was the penetration,” said Terzić at DAZN. “It was an even game, so it was a deserved draw.”
Füllkrug is again given preference
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 turned out to be 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 out-of-form Sébastien 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′).
Nmecha misses the last chance
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. Terzić 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.
The BVB coach tirelessly encouraged his players on the sidelines, but Dortmund lacked precision in finishing for long periods of the game. And in the end the hosts were lucky too. First, Milan’s striker Samuel Chukwueze (86′) was denied by Kobel, who reacted strongly again, and Tijjani Reijnders’ follow-up shot narrowly missed. But Dortmund also had more chances in a game that was now becoming increasingly open – but, as before, they didn’t take advantage of them. Substitute Felix Nmecha (89th) finally shot just wide.