Match Report: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Augsburg; A tale of two halves

Borussia Dortmund were left frustrated after Augsburg came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw at the Westfalenstadion in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund made four changes to the side that drew with Atalanta last Thursday. Marco Reus, Julian Weigl, Gonzalo Castro and Marcel Schmelzer all returned to the side. While Christian Pulisic, Nuri Sahin, Mahmoud Dahoud and Jeremy Toljan dropped to the bench for Der BVB.

Fan boycott meant that the Westfalenstadion had a lot of empty seats. But that did not stop Borussia Dortmund from getting off to a strong start. The hosts dominated from the first minute, without creating too many chances. But they had their goal after 16 minutes, with Marco Reus getting the breakthrough.

It was a vintage Borussia Dortmund goal on the counter attack, as Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle were both involved. The goal was more down to luck however, as Augsburg defender Martin Hinteregger failed to clear successfully. The ball fell into Marco Reus’ path, who tapped it home from close range to give Dortmund the lead.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 26: Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg at the Signal Iduna Park on February 26, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

The home side dominated the rest of the first half, but failed to really test Augsburg’s defense. Dortmund went into the break with a slender advantage of 1-0.

Second Half

Augsburg showed much more ambition after the break as they looked to get back in the game. The game was much more open than in the first half as Dortmund also looked to double their lead. Gonzalo Castro was brought off at the hour mark and was replaced by Mahmoud Dahoud. Andre Schurrle came close for Borussia Dortmund, but his shot from the edge of the box went just wide.

Minutes later, Augsburg were level. Kevin Danso scored from a corner for the away side after he was given a free header. While Burki saved the initial header, the defender tapped home to provide a massive blow to Borussia Dortmund.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 26: Julian Weigl and Michy Batshuayi of Dortmund look dejected after the equalizer goal by Augsburg during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on February 26, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

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As the home side looked for an immediate response, Mahmoud Dahoud was denied by a good save by Marwin Hitz from a long shot. Peter Stoger then decided to bring on Christian Pulisic for Marco Reus.

Dahoud had a much better chance to win the game for Dortmund after 86 minutes. But he sent his effort high and wide, when he should have at least hit the target. Dortmund pressed for a late winner, but this time their efforts were in vain.

It ended 1-1 at the Westfalenstadion in front of a mere 54,300 people. Borussia Dortmund had 65% of the possession, but did not really create too many chances to hurt the Augsburg defense. Der BVB had only two shots on target, and while fans were left frustrated at the end, the result was fair.

Luckily for Dortmund, they are still second in the table, but with a tough run of fixtures coming up, they will have to be at their very best to make sure they are still second come May.

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