Player Ratings: Borussia Dortmund leave it late in thrilling season opener

Borussia Dortmund scored late goals in second halves of both normal time and injury time to beat Greuther Furth and secure their passage into the second round of the DFB Pokal.

The Black and Yellows dominated the game and created plenty of chances but their failure to put them away nearly resulted in them being knocked out by the second division side. But goals from Axel Witsel and Marco Reus helped Borussia Dortmund come from behind and seal a 2-1 win over a spirited Furth side.

Furth took the lead in the 77th minute, capitalizing on some disappointing defending by Der BVB. Borussia Dortmund looked set for an early exit from the Pokal before Axel Witsel volleyed home from close range to force extra time. Then in the 120th minute, Marco Reus scored the winner following an excellent solo run by Jadon Sancho.

It was a massive goal for Dortmund and the result will give Lucien Favre a big boost heading into the next round. However, it was very evident that there is still a lot of work to be done if Dortmund are to compete this season. So let us take a look at the player ratings from Borussia Dortmund’s last gasp win over Greuther Furth.

Roman Burki (7/10)

The Swiss goalkeeper had an impressive game and made some decent saves to save his side. He also got the pre-assist for Witsel’s goal, as he controlled the ball in the opposition half before passing it to Reus, who crossed it in for Witsel to volley it home. He then made a great one on one save to keep the scores level in extra time. Who needs Neuer, eh?

Lukasz Piszczek (5/10)

The often reliable Lukasz Piszczek had a mediocre game by his standards and gave the ball away far too often. Furth’s goal also came after he failed to block a cross from 30 yards out. It was not the best of displays by the Pole and Achraf Hakimi will be waiting in the wings if he cannot sort out his form soon.

Manuel Akanji (6/10)

Akanji had another solid game and displayed all the characteristics that made Borussia Dortmund sign him in January. The Switzerland international was calm and disciplined and showed his strength and speed to deny any space to the Furth attackers. Akanji is full of confidence on the back of an impressive World Cup campaign, and expect him to get better as the season goes on.

Abdou Diallo (6/10)

Diallo looked a bit nervous at times but had a decent competitive debut for Borussia Dortmund. He is another player who has enormous potential and will only get better with time.

Marcel Schmelzer (4/10)

Another matchday, another poor performance by Marcel Schmelzer. The former Dortmund captain never looked comfortable against the second division side and he missed a great chance to give his side the lead early on. Schmelzer was cramping towards the end of the game and it will be a big surprise if he is the first choice left back for Dortmund come May.

Thomas Delaney (6/10)

Delaney missed most of preseason because of his extended break following his involvement at the World Cup. But he put in a decent display with all things considered. Delaney played as the lone defensive midfielder and protected his defense well.

Mahmoud Dahoud (5/10)

Dahoud had a decent game going forward but some of his decision making and passing was poor. Was also partly at fault for the Furth goal as he should have reacted quicker to prevent the goal but was caught napping by Ernst.

Christian Pulisic (6/10)

Pulisic made some very dangerous and looked lively throughout the game. Was unlucky not to score in the second half when his effort hit the outside of the post. All in all a decent first game of the new season for the American international. Now he just needs to find that consistency and he can prove to be the difference maker for Dortmund this season.

Mario Gotze (5/10)

Did not have the best of games and was subbed off at the hour mark. It is unclear what Gotze’s role will be this season. He impressed in central midfield last season but looked lost as a number ten against Furth.

Marius Wolf (6/10)

It was a surprise to see him start but Marius Wolf impressed on his Borussia Dortmund debut and looked sharp going forward. His versatility could prove to be a real asset to the team and it will be interesting to see how Favre uses him this season.

Marco Reus (7/10)

Had some great chances to score but fluffed them all before scoring the winner in the second half of extra time. It was a well taken first time finish by the new Dortmund captain and gave his side a priceless win.

Substitutes

Maximilian Philipp (5/10)

Came at the hour mark but failed to have much of an impact on the game. Needs to do better if he is to lead the attack this season.

Axel Witsel (8/10)

Witsel made himself a fan favorite just 20 minutes after coming on to spare his side’s blushes with a brilliantly taken volley to level the scores. His commanding presence in midfield was great to see and he will be a very important player for Dortmund this season.

Jadon Sancho (7/10)

Another player who made an impact after coming off the bench, Jadon Sancho had a great cameo. The teenager dribbled past three defenders in the 121st minute before finding Marco Reus with his low cutback. It will be very interesting to see how the Englishman fares in his second season at Dortmund.

Raphael Guerreiro (5/10)

Came on in place of Marius Wolf in extra time as Favre used his option of making a fourth sub but he did not have much of an impact on the game from the left wing.