What we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s dominant derby win over Schalke

Final thoughts and looking ahead

In addition to the improved performances of the players we have already touched upon, the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho were also important in securing three points for Borussia Dortmund. The talented forwards linked up yet again to put Dortmund up 2-0 in the second half. While Sancho had a fairly quiet game by his standards, he did manage to provide a slick through ball for Haaland, who ran onto it in the box and chipped Schalke keeper Frederik Rønnow with style. Haaland has scored in both Revierderbies he has taken part in since joining.

In addition to Sancho and Haaland, Julian Brandt deserves a mention as well. Dortmund’s midfield maestro had an impactful performance playing as an eight and a half/ten, doing many of the little things right for his team. His fancy footwork, touches and little flicks added a nice, eye catching accent to Dortmund’s game, but was also clever play. Dortmund often get stick for trying to be “too fancy” but Brandt made sure to make his style count, especially when taking the ball down in the box to find a pass. The flick on for Rapha that led to the first goal was a stroke of brilliance by the German international, and one of the reasons I am so fond of the player. He does a very good job in the attacking midfield role, which I hope to see Favre allow him to play more often.

Looking ahead, Dortmund take on Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League on Wednesday, a game they will be surely looking to bounce back in. Dortmund will go into the game with a bit more defensive stability now that Akanji has returned, and the confidence from defeating Schalke will surely help in putting together a run of form that will hopefully see Die Schwarzgelben get their first three points in the competition.

Zenit have lost two games in a row, both to Brugge in the Champions League and against Rubin Kazan in the Russian Premier League, which could bode well for Dortmund’s chances as they go into the game running on “Derbysieger” confidence.