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Borussia Dortmund have successfully opened the search for the Bayern Munich series champion. The runner-up deservedly defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 (1-0) in the main game at the start of the Bundesliga and was thus based on a remarkable series: it was BVB’s twelfth competitive match against team Gladbach from consecutively.
The only 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna (35) led the hosts to the lead with his debut goal in the Bundesliga in front of 9,300 spectators. Forward Erling Haaland made the decision with a double (54th, video evidence penalty, 77th).
Coach Lucien Favre made only one change compared to easy cup success at third division MSV Duisburg (5-0). Roman Bürki returned to Marwin Hitz’s goal after his hip problems. Guest coach Marco Rose surprised with a more defensive variation. At first Patrick Herrmann, who was recently in good shape, just sat on the bench. In all, Rose only offered three nominal offensive forces in its starting XI.
However, this measure initially paid off. The guests didn’t let the talented BVB get to their dreaded speed game and had a lot of control of a stable defense. The Dortmunders searched in vain for the gap and had to change early on as well. Former Gladbacher Thorgan Hazard limped off the field with a thigh injury and was replaced by Felix Passlack (19th).
The hosts’ offensive game slowly gained momentum. Haaland had the first chances (21, 22). Gladbach was still in the game, but the Lower Rhine team was only rarely dangerous in the first round. Captain Lars Stindl battled Dortmund’s triple chain, which was well organized by Mats Hummels. Bürki reacted strongly to the opportunity of Jonas Hofmann (31).
Then the young people from BVB appeared. Jude Bellingham (17) played Reyna in his first Bundesliga game, and the American didn’t give goalkeeper Yann Sommer a chance. The young star Jadon Sancho almost sticks his head out before the break (40th).
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BVB carried the momentum with them into the second round. After a duel between Reyna and Rami Bensebaini, referee Felix Brych decided on a penalty kick after watching the television pictures. After a short discussion, Sancho handed the ball to forward Haaland, the Norwegian turned confident.
Rose reacted to the two-goal deficit and brought in Marcus Thuram and Alassane Plea, who had been absent in preparation for a longer period. When Herrmann arrived later, Gladbach’s people grew more courageous. However, there was often a lack of precision. Haaland’s second goal after a counterattack cleared the last doubts about BVB’s success.
(SID)
Image: Getty
