Mats Hummels delighted to tick derby goal off “bucket list” for Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund controlled the entire game against Schalke en route to a comfortable 3-0 victory over their biggest sporting rivals.

Borussia Dortmund had very little trouble disposing of Schalke on matchday five, picking up a relatively easy three points when all was said and done. Dortmund struggled to find the back of the net in the first half but that was more down to their own lack of finishing in the final third than Schalke’s defensive resilience. In the end it was irrelevant though, as Lucien Favre’s side put three past Schalke.

Borussia Dortmund launched attack after attack and wave after wave at Schalke throughout the 90 minutes until they eventually broke through.

It wasn’t Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland or Marco Reus who broke the deadlock though, it was Manuel Akanji jumping on a rebound after a wonderfully worked corner routine. After the 1-0, the game opened up a bit more and Dortmund had more opportunities and couldn’t be denied.

Erling Haaland still found his goal in the end, scoring a wonderful chip that Sancho sent him through for. Mats Hummels also scored his first derby goal in his 19th game against Schalke to seal the three points. Hummels was delighted to get his goal and the clean sheet, as he told Sky after the game.

"“The derby goal was something I was missing. Something that I had on the bucket list. I am very glad that it worked out. Goal and no goals conceded – that’s a dream day for a defender.” – Mats Hummels"

Outside of the goals there were a few great performances from players who haven’t shown too much this season. Mahmoud Dahoud was the biggest standout with his exceptional performance. Dahoud’s talent and ability has never been in question, every year he will have a string of games where we see the player Dortmund brought in to replace Ilkay Gundogan. And against Schalke, he showed just how good he can be.

Julian Brandt was another player who just hadn’t really gotten his chance this season and made the most of it against Schalke. Brandt has the ability to be Dortmund’s best player on any given day, he just needs the right opportunity which is what he got playing in his favoured 8/10 role in central midfield. Brandt was quoted as saying after the game:

"“Derby wins are one of the most beautiful things you can experience in the season. We have some great guys in the squad. I always want to win, but also have fun on the pitch. You can see that we are developing further. That gives us confidence for the coming weeks. It’s important that we stay on the ball now, both in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League.” – Julian Brandt"

Borussia Dortmund now turn their attentions back to the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as they look to right the ship in their home game against Zenit.