Wasteful Borussia Dortmund held to 1-1 draw by Paderborn

Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by recently regelated side Paderborn as they continued their preparations for the start of the new season.

Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho led the attack for Borussia Dortmund in the first of today’s two pre-season friendlies. Emre Can and Manuel Akanji played as the two centre-backs, with Thomas Delaney captaining the side. Youngsters Ansgar Knauff, Tobias Raschl and Immanuel Pherai were also named in the starting XI with a number of injuries plaguing Lucien Favre’s side.

It was a hard fought contested right from the start, with both Borussia Dortmund and Paderborn looking to get on the front foot. Jadon Sancho had a shot brilliantly saved by Paderborn goalkeeper  Jannik Huth early on. Chances were few and far between in the first half, but the Black and Yellows did manage to take the lead in the 30th minute.

It was Immanuel Pherai who opened the scoring for the hosts, pouncing on a loose ball and finding the net after Ansgar Knauff’s effort was well saved. Despite the goal, Paderborn continued their strong performance and threatened the Dortmund goal on a few occasions. But Dortmund went into the break with a slender lead to their name.

Borussia Dortmund had a number of decent chances at the start of the second half, as Sancho, Haaland and Knauff all came close to scoring. They were also denied what looked like a clear penalty when Immanuel Pherai was brought down inside the box.

Paderborn finally took advantage of Dortmund’s poor finishing and comical defending by getting their equaliser in the 67th minute through Kai Pröger, who also starred in the 3-3 draw between the two sides in November 2019.

Moritz Broschinski, who replaced Erling Haaland soon after, had an excellent chance to restore Borussia Dortmund’s lead. But he fired his effort over the bar from close range. Thomas Delaney then came close with his shot from the edge of the box.

But the game ended 1-1, as Borussia Dortmund were left frustrated for their second game running.  Of course, pre-season games are all about gaining match fitness. So the disappointing performance won’t worry those in charge too much. But the game further showed why Lucien Favre needs to switch his formation to a back three.