Player ratings: Misfiring Borussia Dortmund suffer massive blow in UCL race

Borussia Dortmund endured yet another disappointing European night, as they were held by minnows Apoel once again, to all but end their chances of getting a Champions League round of 16 spot.

The result means that Borussia Dortmund now need to win both their remaining games and hope that Apoel can beat Real Madrid if they want to qualify for the next round. But before they can even think about that, they must address their recent woes ahead of a crucial league tie against Bayern Munich.

Peter Bosz’ side were poor and looked bereft of ideas against Apoel. Their lack of creativity was on show once again, especially in the second half. So let’s take a look at the player ratings for Dortmund players from their 1-1 draw against the Cypriot champions.

Roman Burki (6/10)

The Swiss goalkeeper has endured a disappointing Champions League campaign, conceding 8 goals, and being at fault for most of them. While he wasn’t at fault this time around, his previous mistakes mean that it has been a season to forget for Roman Burki so far.

Marc Bartra (4/10)

Peter Bosz’ once again deployed Marc Bartra at right-back despite a series of poor performances over the last few games. And once again the Spaniard looked uncomfortable in his new position. Some of his decision-making was atrocious. And his mistimed tackle led to Apoel scoring the equalizer. Bartra must never be played as a right-back again.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (4/10)

The Greek international is having a poor season in the middle of the defense. He was run ragged by Hannover at the weekend. And this time it was his poor passing and distribution that let the team down.

Omer Toprak (5/10)

Returned from injury and had a largely uneventful game at the back. Could have done better to prevent Pote from scoring. But his challenge was weak and Apoel took full advantage. Still deserves to be in the starting line-up over Sokratis. Was replaced by Andre Schurrle late on as BVB looked for a winner.

Raphael Guerreiro (7/10)

Made his first start since breaking his foot four months ago. And he showed why the fans were desperate for his return. Made some brilliant attacking runs and was a threat all game. His darting run helped him get behind the Apoel defense and score Dortmund’s only goal of the game. Guerreiro is one of the few players in the side who is actually suited to Bosz’ style of play.

Julian Weigl (5/10)

Played well in the holding midfield role. His pass to Kagawa helped Dortmund score their only goal. While he failed to help his side get the second goal, it’s easy to see why fans want him to start ahead of Castro and Sahin.

Shinji Kagawa (6/10)

Made his 50th appearance for Borussia Dortmund in European club competitions. And his flick to set up Guerreiro for Dortmund’s goal was superb. Linked up well with the rest of his teammates. But failed to provide that extra spark that was needed for Der BVB to get the win.

Mario Gotze (4/10)

Was man-marked out of the game by Apoel players. Failed to make an impact as he has done over the last few games. Gotze will be hoping for a better outing against his former employers at the weekend.

Christian Pulisic (5/10)

The second season syndrome seems to have hit the American international. The 19-year-old had a decent game against Apoel, however. Pulisic created some good chances for his teammates, but their poor finishing let him and the team down. On another day, he could have had three assists. But it just wasn’t to be his night.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (3/10)

Aubameyang continued his recent slump in front of goal with another disappointing performance. He had some good chances and should have buried at least one of them. The Gabon international looks to be bereft of any confidence. And Borussia Dortmund’s over-reliance on him means that the team is suffering as a result.

Maximilian Philipp (5/10)

Philipp was largely anonymous before he was replaced by Andriy Yarmolenko in the 65th minute. He did test the goalkeeper with a cross/shot. Made a few good runs and an important interception at the back, but once again failed to cause any real problems to the Apoel defense.

Substitutes

Andriy Yarmolenko (4/10)

Was dropped after a poor performance at the weekend. And he came on to replace Philipp, mid-way through the second half. And he was just as anonymous as Philipp as Dortmund failed to get a late winner.

Marcel Schmelzer (4/10)

Replaced the tired Raphael Guerreiro in the 72nd minute but failed to have a similar impact on the game.

Andre Schurrle (N/R)

Was brought on for Omer Toprak for the last five minutes as Peter Bosz desperately looked for a late winner, but couldn’t find the breakthrough Dortmund needed.

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