Borussia Dortmund wasted a wonderful chance to pip Hoffenheim, their closest competitor, for the third spot in the table as they were held by FC Augsburg, which was the 12th time that they have dropped points away from home this season. Alfred Finnbogasson put the home team ahead within the first half before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised a few minutes later. The Black and Yellows are now tied on points with Hoffenheim but cling on to the third position thanks to a superior goal difference. They will next face Werder Bremen, in a must-win encounter, in the final matchday of the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, here are the Dortmund player ratings in their disappointing performance against Augsburg.
Roman Burki(7.5/10): Did well to deny Finnbogasson a goal, as he ran in straight from his line to clear the ball out. But couldn’t do much for the actual goal ten minutes later.
Lukasz Piszczek(7.5/10): Started as a right wing back but was shifted to a centre back later on, after the introduction of Erik Durm. It wasn’t an easy outing for the veteran Polish defender by any means.
Sokratis(8.5/10): Was simply a beast, as he single-handedly faced off the entire Augsburg attack by himself. 100% success at aerial battles and tackling, a sensational pass completion rate of 96%, most by anyone on the pitch and completing a total of 100 passes, sure backs the statement.
Matthias Ginter(7/10): Fragile as always, Ginter clearly struggled with his positioning, which resulted in Augsburg players easily getting in behind the defence. His lack of space also didn’t help Dortmund, especially in defending the counter attacks. He was shifted to a central defensive midfielder after the injury of Weigl.
Marcel Schmelzer(9/10): Kept his good form going, as he led the side brilliantly with his sharp passing and runs in behind. His crossfield passes were one of the notable things for Thomas Tuchel. Definitely one of the better players on the night.
Raphael Guerreiro(7.5/10): Started as a left wing back but shifted more towards the middle as the game went on. The Portuguese International tried his level best to bring more speed into Dortmund’s game with his one touch passing. However, he deeply failed to generate the accuracy.
Julian Weigl(NA): An unfortunate game for Julian Weigl, who tore his ankle and will be out for at least three or four months, therefore, missing the Confederations Cup for Germany. One would only wish him a speedy recovery.
Shinji Kagawa(8/10): A decent game for the Japanese International who got his place in the starting lineup due to Gonzalo Castro’s niggle. He ended up providing one assist for Aubameyang’s goal and also made a few more chances for his side.
Ousmane Dembele(7/10): Once again an inconsistent performance from the French International. Dembele showed glimpses of brilliance at times but faded as the game went on.
Marco Reus(7.5/10): Could have done a lot better in being more clinical with his touches and in front of goal as well, in otherwise, a fairly decent performance from the Dortmund star.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang(8/10): Was at the right place at the right time again as he found his 29th goal of the season but still trail Robert Lewandowski by one goal, thanks to his two goals against Leipzig in the other game.
