The return of Bundesliga has been a breath of fresh air for the football fanatics across the globe and Borussia Dortmund, chasing Bayern Munich for the coveted crown, had a tricky away test this afternoon against Wolfsburg. Both the teams secured wins last weekend, but it was the visitors who exhibited sheer dominance throughout and claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory to defeat Die Wölfe at Volkswagen Arena for the fifth successive term.
Borussia Dortmund Players’ Rating Vs Wolfsburg:
Roman Burki: 7
The Swiss custodian had a comfortable first half with little action between the sticks. But the hosts were more purposeful after the break and Burki was fortunate not to concede when Renato Steffen rattled his effort off the woodwork. Steffan had another shot minutes later, this time on target which, however, was punched away by the Dortmund shot-stopper.
Lukasz Piszczek: 7.5
Started down the right-hand side of BVB’s ‘back three’. Was spot on with his tackles, positioning, interceptions and timely recoveries. Used his experience well to defend the narrow lead before Hakimi doubled the lead late in the match.
Mats Hummels: 6
Was solid in the heart of the backline as Wolfsburg rarely posed a threat within the first half. But the Germany international was taken off at half-time with a suspected injury concern and Emre Can, declared fit for the trip, was brought into action.
Manuel Akanji: 7
Showed his calmness and composure even though the overlapping runs of Kevin Mbabu were troublesome at times. Maintained a high passing accuracy as he helped his teammates build up counter-threats out from the back.
Achraf Hakimi: 8.5
The Real Madrid loanee impressed once again with his tireless runs from the right-hand flank. Kept on creating chances with his pace, mazy runs and swift footwork, and also fired in late in the game to seal the result. Made way for veteran Marcel Schmelzer for the final few minutes of this classic contest.
Mahmoud Dahoud: 7.5
His tactical fouls in the middle of the park left the home side frustrated time and again. Looked menacing while turning defence into attacking threats and impressed with his off the ball work-rate.
Thomas Delaney: 8.5
Dominated the midfield game, marshalled the backline and showcased high work ethics in regaining possession and forming quick counter-attacks from the deep. Made way for Leonardo Balerdi late in the game.
Raphael Guerreiro: 8
Netted a brace against Schalke in last weekend’s derby and continued his scoring streak this afternoon by converting Hazard’s cross just over the half-hour mark. The wingbacks of Dortmund ensured a win against Oliver Glasner’s men.
Thorgan Hazard: 7
Set it up beautifully inside the box which was converted by Guerreiro even though Håland failed to connect initially from a close range. Was effective from the wide areas as he enjoyed his time on the pitch before making way for Giovanni Reyna with 10 minutes remaining.
Julian Brandt: 6
Played his part in Guerreiro’s goal with his fancy footwork, but the attacking sensation had an underwhelming second half and eventually got replaced by Jadon Sancho around the 65th-minute mark.
Erling Braut Håland: 6
A rare occasion when the 19-year-old Norwegian failed to mark his name on the scoresheet. It could have been his goal though if he had not missed Hazard’s cross before Guerreiro smashed it home.
Borussia Dortmund Substitutes:
Emre Can: 6.5
The versatile German was brought in place of Hummels, and despite initial stumbles, he eventually settled in and restored balance in the defensive third.
Jadon Sancho: 7
Had an excellent cameo as he registered his 16th Bundesliga assist of the campaign when he set it up beautifully for Hakimi to find the net.
Giovanni Reyna: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Marcel Schmelzer: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Leonardo Balerdi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
