Borussia Dortmund walked away from match day 6 with a 2-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld with Mats Hummels scoring both goals.
Borussia Dortmund picked up three points against Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday in a win that moved them up to second place, tied on points with Bayern Munich. This means that when Dortmund and Bayern meet next week it will be a 1st vs 2nd showdown with the winner topping the table by three points.
Dortmund were in complete control in this game, dominating possession and driving the play throughout the 90 minutes. It wasn’t until the 53rd minute that Mats Hummels found the back of the net off a corner. Going up 1-0 opened the game up for Dortmund who created a lot more after the goal but again it was once again Mats Hummels who took advantage doubling the lead with another header in the 71st minute. Hummels picked up Man of the Match honors but it wasn’t all positive as he went off injured in the 86th minute in what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Ruhr Nachrichten had quotes from the players after the game and Mats Hummels had the following to say about his performance.
"“It is a coincidence that the ball fell on my thigh for the first goal. But we were very concentrated throughout the whole game. We didn’t get 15 top-class chances, but enough to win the game. It was a very mature performance from us. The muscle has contracted in the thigh. I didn’t feel a sting, which is a good sign. But the thigh is firm and we will have to work on it for a few days. I hope to win the race against time by Wednesday.”"
Julian Brandt was also interviewed post game after another solid performance. Brandt and Reus swapped back and forth between the 9 and 10 spots in what seems to be Favre’s preferred option when Haaland isn’t able to play or is being rested. Brandt had two great chances to score on half breakaways but wasn’t able to take advantage. He was saved on one and the other he elected to try and square the ball to Sancho instead of taking his opportunity, which resulted in a turnover. Brandt had the following to say post game.
"“I am satisfied that we played a good game. I am no Erling Haaland. He always shoots high and I always try to be flat. We’ll get it right in the future. I’m not worried about Mats Hummels, he’s got good healing powers.”"
Dortmund head back to the Champions League this week before their top of the table bout with Bayern Munich next Saturday, so we will likely see some heavy rotation midweek against Brugge.