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Match Report: Borussia Dortmund cruise to victory over Stuttgart

By Austin Weldon

Dortmund's US midfielder Christian Pulisic (3rd L) celebrates with his team-mates during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs VfB Stuttgart, in Dortmund, western Germany, on April 8, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Patrik STOLLARZ / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Dortmund's US midfielder Christian Pulisic (3rd L) celebrates with his team-mates during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs VfB Stuttgart, in Dortmund, western Germany, on April 8, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Patrik STOLLARZ / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund were deserved winners over Stuttgart today despite a nervy first 40 minutes against VFB Stuttgart.

The game did not start out well for Borussia Dortmund as they came into the game the same way they finished the Bayern game a week before.  Failing to put more than one or two passes together for most of the first half it was no surprise that Stuttgart controlled the majority of the play. At one point, I believe around the 30 minute mark, Dortmund were attempting yet again to play out of their own half. The only outfield players that could be seen in the Dortmund half at the time were Sokratis, Toprak and Sahin. Needless to say with no simple options available, the build up resulted in a long ball clearance by Burki, something we saw a lot of in the first half.

The entire momentum of the game changed in the 38th minute when Piszczek played Pulisic through down the wing with a lovely outside of the boot pass. Pulisic trying to find Batshuayi in the box ended up over hitting the cross that resulted in a perfect chip over Zieler and into the far post. In the final five minutes of the game, Borussia Dortmund finally started playing the ball around and found some creativity in the offensive third. Going into the half up 1-0 was the best result possible considering the play of the first half.

Christian Pulisic opened the scoring when his cross found the back of the net (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring when his cross found the back of the net (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

The second 45 minutes were much different, Dortmund came out playing right from the off. Early into the second half Dortmund capitalized on a poor Stuttgart free kick for Sahin and Batshuayi to combine in a great give and go for the second goal. From then on out, Dortmund remained in control adding a third goal in the 59th minute through Maxi Philipp jumping on his own rebound. There were other chances that weren’t finished that could have made the scoreline look even more favourable. Philipp and Reus both could have added goals.

Michy Batshuayi scored Dortmund’s second after some good link up play with Nuri Sahin (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Michy Batshuayi scored Dortmund’s second after some good link up play with Nuri Sahin (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

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Late in the game we got our first look at Sergio Gomez who came on for his Bundesliga debut. In his first few minutes on the pitch he looked confident on the ball and was always showing as an option for a pass. The best moment was a 30 yard through ball he played in for Jadon Sancho to try and drive in a low cross that didn’t work out. It was great to see him get his first minutes in a Dortmund jersey and hopefully we can see a bit more of him before the season’s end.

All in all, it is a much needed victory for Dortmund as they secure their largest win since Stoger took over as manager. Heading into a crucial Revierderby next matchday, Dortmund got a necessary confidence boost after today’s win. The focus now shifts to the encounter with Schalke which will have huge implications on the race for the final three Champions League spots.

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