Borussia Dortmund edged past league strugglers Werder Bremen in a fascinating encounter at the Weser-stadion on Saturday. The Black and Yellows put in a lot of pressure on the home team and got their reward early on as Marco Reus’ instinctive ball forward found Andre Schurrle. The world champions took on the keeper to find an easy finish. However, Werder applied full force in the second half and found the equaliser in the 59th minute through Fin Bartels. At the end, it wasn’t enough for Alexander Nouri’s men as his team conceded a sloppy goal late on to let go a point. Here are the Dortmund player ratings from a riveting encounter at the Weser-stadion on Saturday.
Roman Weidenfeller (7/10): Was largely untested in the first half. But when the opposition came in full force, the veteran goalie made some decent saves but at the end, failed to keep out Fin Bartels scoring the equaliser.
Lukasz Piszczek (8/10): After a rather inactive first half, Piszczek was influential from the right flank. Delivering some good crosses coupled with some neat passes in the final third. It was him, who scored the winner late on to hand Dortmund all three points.
Sokratis (7/10): It was an average game for the former Werder defender. A fight with Max Kruse late on didn’t help. Defended the pressure well but struggled to keep off the counter attacks from the home side.
Matthias Ginter (6.5/10): Ginter was woeful against the Green and Whites. The young defender failed to exhibit his qualities on the field. Some simple passes were all he could muster in the whole ninety minutes. His lack of speed caused Fin Bartels to break through from the Dortmund defensive lines to score the equaliser.
Marcel Schmelzer (7/10): Schmelzer was looking decent in the first half but got replaced in the second half by Erik Durm. Some neat passes and good defending helped Dortmund keep up the momentum in the first half.
Julian Weigl (8/10): A busy match for Julian Weigl as always. The young midfielder sat in front of the defence and was also a key figure in buildup and transition. Weigl made four interceptions and struck 58 passes against Werder.
Christian Pulisic (7.5/10): Played on the right-hand channel. At time got isolated and more or less left off the usual formation hoping he would create something from his own. That he did once or twice, including an exquisite run, shrugging off four Bremen players to infiltrate the box.
Gonzalo Castro (7/10): Had a poor game in attacking midfield position. The former Leverkusen midfielder was often delivering poor passes, along with some very indecent movements and loss of concentration.
Shinji Kagawa (7.5/10): Was basically invisible in the first half. However, the Japanese international was very influential in the final phase of the game. Making some key lofted passes in and around the penalty area. He was looking very dangerous with his neat passing and clever movements.
Marco Reus (8/10): Played an influential figure on the team sheet. Had a very imposing contribution on the offence. His runs in behind the defence unsettled the opposition backline. The German International also had a chance to score his very first goal of 2017 but for Werder goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald.
Andre Schurrle (7.5/10): In spite of scoring the opener, Schurrle wasn’t as much active in Dortmund’s attacking game. However, he was very keen and focused which affected his willingness to track back and help out Dortmund in pressing phases.
Subs
Ousmane Dembele (6.5/10): Came on very late for Marco Reus. He was reportedly unfit for the game, yet he was subbed on by Thomas Tuchel. On the field, his lack of fitness showed, as he was slow on the ball and thus failed to keep up with the pace of the game after coming on.
Erik Durm (7/10): Replaced Marcel Schmelzer at the start of second half. Wasn’t effective in the offensive role he was given by Thomas Tuchel. Later, he moved to his usual left back position.
Raphael Guerreiro (8/10): Changed the complexion of the game after coming on. Some brilliant touches, along with some very neat passes and runs through the Werder defence. Guerreiro caused a havoc with his smart and efficient play and its only to fair to say, that he had a part to play behind Dortmund’s winner in the 71st minute.
