Borussia Dortmund vs Hertha BSC: Match Review

Borussia Dortmund triumph 2-0 in home match against Berlin

Last week Borussia Dortmund was able to dismantle Wolfsburg 3-0. With many players out from injury or being sold, many thought Berlin would pose a serious challenge for Der BVB. However, even with several stars missing, the Black and Yellows are victorious once again. Peter Bosz and his men put in a good performance to so far finish on the top for Match Day 2.

Match Highlights

First Half

Borussia Dortmund started the match flying out the gates. The pressure put on Hertha’s defense was intense and one might have thought that Pulisic would open the scoring. Dortmund’s Gegenpressen was intense. For a moment I could’ve sworn I stepped into a time machine and was watching Klopp’s old squad.

In the 15th minute, Maximillian Phillip took the ball on the left wing, cut in, and passed to Sahin in the center. After a shot from the Turkish international was blocked, he collected the ball again, before crossing it into the center for Aubameyang to put in goal.

In the 40th minute, Sokratis was subbed off for Omer Toprak. Sokratis is apparently ill, and was feeling dizzy on the field. Peter Bosz didn’t want to risk anything and took him off the pitch.

Dortmund was close to ending the first half with another goal as well. Maximillian Philipp almost scored a beauty in the 44th minute, but the shot was saved by Jarstein.

It was fairly apparent that Bosz’s side was dominant in the first half. They managed 7 shots compared to Berlin’s 2, and had the ball 67%  of the time.

Second Half

A goal down, Berlin started the second half in a very attacking manner. Darida and Leckie nearly combined to score while the Dortmund defense was sleeping. It ended quickly as Roman Burki came to save the day, and Dortmund resumed possession.

Dortmund’s second goal came in the 57th minute. Vedad Ibisevic lost possession in the midfield, and Dortmund immediately punished Berlin for it. Pulisic crossed the ball to Maxi Philipp who was under pressure from Berlin’s center-backs. A rather convenient bounce found its way to Nuri Sahin at the top of the box, who volleyed it into the back of the net. Once again, Gegenpressen showed its use as it led to another Dortmund goal.

Immediately after, Ibisevic and Kalou, two attackers, were subbed off for Berlin. Alexander Esswein and Haraguchi came on.

Aubameyang nearly had another goal in the 62nd minute, but the through ball was saved by Jarstein.

Mario Gotze came off for Shinji Kagawa a minute later.

Roman Burki’s heroics saved Dortmund from conceding in the 65th minute. From then on, Hertha’s attack seemed to stagnate, never really creating threats for Dortmund to worry about.

Maxi Philipp almost scored in the 79th minute, but the ball just went over the goal.

Mahmoud Dahoud was subbed on for Philipp, and soon enough the match was over.

Notable Performances

Nuri Sahin

Sahin was involved with both goals. An underrated player in seasons past, Sahin has really hit his stride under Bosz, and may have Weigl competing for playing time when he returns from injury. Class performance from the midfielder, and a well-deserved man of the match. A true Borussia Dortmund legend.

Christian Pulisic

Pulisic was dangerous from the first minute to the last. The lad seems to ooze confidence and it shows in both his attacking and defending work rate. He seems to understand now that with Dembele gone, he will have to fill in that void. With some polishing, he may be one of the most important players for Der BVB.

Mario Gotze

It is early in the season. However, I just want to say that Gotze is starting to look like his old self again, and will only get better.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Water is wet. The sky is blue. Aubameyang slotted in another goal for Borussia Dortmund. Life goes on.

Maximillian Philipp

The German winger is *this* close to scoring his first goal for Dortmund. He was seen kicking the post in frustration, and you can tell he’s hungry for goals. The kid is level-headed and very mature on the ball. If he keeps performing like he did today, the Yellow Wall will be chanting his name in no time.

Don’t worry, Maxi. Your time will come soon enough.