Player Ratings: Lifeless Borussia Dortmund crash out of Europa League

Borussia Dortmund ended their Europa League campaign with a whimper, thanks to a 0-0 draw with minnows RB Salzburg.

Peter Stoger’s side failed to match Salzburg’s intensity and did not cause too many problems to their less illustrious opponents. Borussia Dortmund’s season is now all but over, with the only hope of silverware gone. Here are the player ratings from the latest embarrassing result for Dortmund.

Roman Burki (8/10)

The only Borussia Dortmund player who can come out of this game with his head held high. Made a total of 5 saves, including some brilliant blocks as he kept his side in the contest. It would have been over a long time ago without him. Finally got his first clean sheet in Europe this season, and despite the result, he earned it.

Roman Burki saved his side from further embarrassment (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Lukasz Piszczek (5/10)

The Poland international had a difficult night at right back. As he pressed forward to help his side in attack, Salzburg got opportunities to counter. It is clear that Piszczek has lost a yard and he struggled to cope with Salzburg’s pace. A few sloppy giveaways further dented his performance.

Sokratis (3/10)

Gave the ball away plenty of times, especially in the first half, which forced Zagadou to clear up his mess. His errors gave Salzburg a few nearly moments. Was booked early in the second half. A dismal display by the Greek defender.

Dan Axel Zagadou (6/10)

Did well in his first start since November, especially considering how poor Sokratis was. Made a total of 7 clearances and 5 interceptions to prevent Salzburg from scoring. Made a few errors himself, but luckily Burki was there to save face.

Marcel Schmelzer (4/10)

Had two chances to score in the second half. The first was blasted straight at the keeper from the edge of the box. And the second one was headed straight to the keeper from six yards out. Just like Piszczek on the other flank, Schmelzer struggled to cope with Salzburg’s counter attacks due to his lack of pace.

Gonzalo Castro (4/10)

Another ordinary performance by Castro, who neither helped out defensively, nor did anything going forward. Not sure why Stoger keeps starting him, but was rightly subbed off for Raphael Guerreiro in the second half.

Mahmoud Dahoud (5/10)

Dahoud was impressive at times and played some good forward passes. Played with great intent but often failed to execute it. Overall, he had a solid game and was one of the few positives from tonight.

Mario Gotze (3/10)

Another frustrating night for Gotze as he failed to create any chances for his teammates. To make matters worse, he was dispossessed three times in the first half. Was subbed off at half time as Stoger decided to bring on Isak.

Marco Reus (5/10)

Reus failed to have any sort of impact on the game as Borussia Dortmund struggled to get him on the ball in dangerous areas. Dortmund showed no attacking intent in the first half, and Reus paid the price for it as he was subbed off at half time.

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – MARCH 15: Andre Schuerrle of Dortmund and Stefan Lainer of Salzburg compete for the ball during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, 2nd leg match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund at the Red Bull Arena on March 15, 2018 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images,) /

Andre Schurrle (3/10)

The decision to sub off Reus and Gotze and leave Schurrle on the field for the second half perplexed Dortmund fans. And as much as Schurrle tried to be the hero for his side, nothing came off for him. After a few good games last month, it looks like Schurrle is back to his usual frustrating form. Simply not good enough, considering the money Dortmund spent on him.

Michy Batshuayi (4/10)

For some reason, Peter Stoger thought that it would be a good idea to use Batshuayi as a target man once again. But just like the other times, it backfired badly. The Belgian was largely anonymous, but did create a wonderful chance for Alexander Isak, but the Swede failed to bury it.

Substitutes

Alexander Isak (4/10)

Isak got two of Borussia Dortmund’s best chances to score. But his lack of experience and composure meant that he wasn’t the right man to take them. Worked hard both on and off the ball, but failed to justify Stoger’s decision to bring him on in place of the more established duo of Reus and Gotze.

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – MARCH 15: Goalkeeper Alexander Walke of Salzburg saves against Alexander Isak of Dortmund during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, 2nd leg match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund at the Red Bull Arena on March 15, 2018 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images,) /

Maximilian Philipp (4/10)

Came on at half time but failed to make much of an impact on the game. It made no sense to bring him on in place of Marco Reus, considering he is just making his return from an injury.

Raphael Guerreiro (4/10)

Came on at the hour mark but failed to provide that spark Borussia Dortmund desperately needed.

Peter Stoger (0/10)

Stoger had a chance to earn the Borussia Dortmund job for next season tonight. But he made all the wrong decisions, right from the starting lineup, to his tactics, to his substitutions. No other coach in the world would have taken off Marco Reus (Dortmund’s biggest game changer), and Mario Gotze at half time. The decision to play hoof ball in the second half, with no aerial threat up front, further showed his ineptness. His mentality over the course of this leg was poor and so were his tactics and decisions. Stoger is simply not Dortmund material and the sooner he departs the better.

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