Player ratings: Spirited Borussia Dortmund comeback goes in vain

Borussia Dortmund came from 2-0 behind to level the game but a late Real Madrid goal consigned Der BVB to their fourth Champions League of the season.

The result combined with Apoel’s defeat against Tottenham means that Borussia Dortmund will head into the Europa League round of 32. It has been a Champions League campaign to forget for Peter Bosz’ side, with their only points coming in draws against Apoel.

But there were plenty of positive signs from Dortmund’s performance against Real Madrid. So let’s take a look at the player ratings for Borussia Dortmund players.

Roman Burki (6/10)

He probably could have done better with the punch which allowed Real Madrid to score just moments later. But there is not much he could have done about any of the three goals/

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (6/10)

Dortmund’s defense started off poorly, conceding twice early on. And Sokratis was often caught ball watching and made a few poor decisions. Much like the rest of his teammates, he was more assured as the game went on.

Neven Subotic (6/10)

It’s surprising that Subotic is starting games for Dortmund after it seemed his career with the club was over in the first few months of the season. Made a vital interception in the second half. But all-in-all it was a tough evening for the veteran.

Marcel Schmelzer (7/10)

After weeks of disappointing performances, Schmelzer put in an assured performance both in defense and in attack. His superb assist for Aubameyang’s first goal will be replayed over and over again.

Marc Bartra (4/10)

After weeks of poor performances at right-back, Peter Bosz thought it would be a better idea to play him as a right wing-back. It wasn’t. Bartra endured another difficult evening in his hometown. He had a difficult time dealing with Real Madrid’s attackers and was brought off with ten minutes to go.

Nuri Sahin (6/10)

Sahin played a crucial role in getting Dortmund back in the match against his former employers. He was poor in the first twenty minutes, but got better as the game went on. Made some good passes and linked up well with teammates.

Mahmoud Dahoud (6/10)

Finally Dahoud was given a chance by Peter Bosz. And the German U-21 international showed his qualities on the pitch with a decent performances. Had one giveaway which nearly resulted in a Madrid goal though. However, it was a promising performance by a promising talent.

Raphael Guerreiro (5/10)

The Portuguese international has been a shining light since his comeback from injury this season. But he failed to get close to Isco for the first goal. And the latter set the ball up for Borja Mayoral to score inside eight minutes.

Christian Pulisic (6/10)

It was a performance like much of his season so far from the American international. Pulisic provided some brilliant moments with his pace and trickery. But his decision making was questionable at time. Still only 19 though, Pulisic will be a star for the club, provided he stays.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (8/10)

Looks like the suspension against Stuttgart seems to have done him good. He has scored in every game he has played in since then. And he netted a brace against Real Madrid as Dortmund nearly snatched a stunning comeback win. Has now scored five times against the Los Blancos. Fans will be hoping he can continue his good form this weekend, as Dortmund look to finally register their first league win since September.

Shinji Kagawa was Dortmund’s best player in their 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Shinji Kagawa (8/10)

The Japanese international played in a more advanced role as Yarmolenko was rested. And Kagawa put in a man-of-the-match performance as he caused a lot of problems for Real Madrid. His back-heel for Aubameyang’s second was a touch of class. Dortmund need Kagawa to shine week in, week out especially during Gotze’s absence.

Substitutes

Julian Weigl (5/10)

Came on to replace Nuri Sahin in the 65th minute and failed yet another audition. Weigl hasn’t looked at his best since his return from injury.

Omer Toprak (N/R)

Came on to replace Marc Bartra with ten minutes to go and Real Madrid scored the winner less than a minute later as Toprak was made to look like a fool twice.

Andriy Yarmolenko (N/R)

Was brought on in stoppage time but could not help Dortmund get a late equaliser.

Peter Bosz (5/10)

It looks like the Dutchman still does not know his best line up or even his best position, despite already being six months into the job. He continues to play his players in the wrong positions. And the team is suffering as a result. Another major concern is the lack of motivation as Dortmund conceded two early goals yet again.

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