Borussia Dortmund’s awful away record in the UEFA Champions League continues as they slump to a 3-1 defeat to Lazio in the opening group game. The Black and Yellows never really got going especially following a healthy 2-0 Lazio lead in the first half. Erling Haaland scored a goal in the second half, but that was cancelled by Akpa Akpro’s effort in the 76th minute, helping the home side seal all three points.
Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings Vs Lazio
Marwin Hitz 6.5/10
Marwin Hitz couldn’t have done anything to save those three goals from going in. But, the Swiss goalkeeper was crucial in preventing Lazio from further extending their lead with a good performance in between the sticks.
Lukasz Piszczek 5/10
Starting despite a nasty knock on Saturday, Lukasz Piszczek looked uncomfortable in the backline. Hooked off midway through the second half.
Mats Hummels 2/10
It was one of the worst performances from Mats Hummels in his career as the German completely failed to keep check of Ciro Immobile and company. He simply looked incompetent against the Lazio attackers tonight.
Thomas Delaney 3/10
Thomas Delaney was forced to play at centre-back due to Dortmund missing out on several defensive players. It didn’t work out at all for the Dane, who looked uncomfortable at the back.
Thomas Meunier 2/10
Thomas Meunier was definitely Dortmund’s scapegoat in this defeat. The Belgian was culpable for conceding the first goal, and it was followed by a sloppy performance throughout the game.
Jude Bellingham 5/10
Became the youngest Englishman to feature in the UEFA Champions League. Unfortunately, the ex-Birmingham City starlet struggled to make an impact in midfield and was overwhelmed by the Lazio press.
Axel Witsel 5/10
Axel Witsel struggled to dominate the midfield, particularly due to lack of support with Lazio having a numerical advantage in the middle third of the pitch. Enjoyed more freedom during the late stages of the game.
Raphael Guerreiro 6/10
Raphael Guerreiro didn’t have a good game at all. He looked clumsy and sloppy on the left flank, often lacking execution, though the Portuguese international was quite lively throughout.
Jadon Sancho 5/10
Jadon Sancho was completely ineffective against this Lazio defence tonight. He found it difficult to beat the defenders in one-on-ones and had to rely on quick interplay in the final third. Not a good performance from the Englishman.
Marco Reus 5/10
Marco Reus just wasn’t involved enough to make a difference for Borussia Dortmund today. The German international did hover in and around the final third but failed to offer that x-factor.
Erling Haaland 7/10
Erling Haaland led the line well, often looking dangerous and menacing with his feisty presence inside the box. He was always on the lookout for a chance and even scored the only goal of the game for his side. However, the youngster could have been much more accurate with his efforts on goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Giovanni Reyna 7.5/10
Giovanni Reyna made a huge difference in the second half, after coming on for fellow 17-year-old Bellingham. The American offered a spark of creativity going forward, notably providing the assist for the Haaland goal.
Julian Brandt 6.5/10
Julian Brandt coming on for Piszczek during the final phase of the game offered Dortmund the numerical advantage they had craved for the entirety of the match. The German international should have been introduced much earlier.
Reinier Jesus 5/10
A late but ineffective substitution.
