Borussia Dortmund sealed their progress to the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal with a 3-2 win over SC Paderborn after extra time. It was a typical BVB performance which saw them dominate, before allowing the opposition back into the game, and then they managed to just about crawl over the finish line.
A fast start gives Borussia Dortmund an early two-goal lead
As soon as the referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the game, you could see Borussia Dortmund meant business. Emre Can scored the first goal of the game after only six minutes of play. The visitors failed to clear the ball from a corner and the German international made them pay. This wasn’t enough for Dortmund as they looked to get the most out of their superiority on the pitch. Nico Schulz, who was given a shot as a starter today had the chance to make it 2-0 but miscued his shot from close range. Ten minutes after the opener, Jadon Sancho doubled Dortmund’s advantage as he cut through the middle of Paderborn broke defence after some quick build-up play with Julian Brandt and Erling Haaland.
While the second Dortmund goal brought them comfort and safety, it also brought a bit of overconfidence. Paderborn shook off their initial nervousness and proceeded to press high up the pitch. Their intensity was too much to handle for the home side, and Marwin Hitz was forced into action on multiple occasions. The visitors were quick to discover that Mateu Morey wasn’t having a great evening and decided to focus their attacks on Dortmund’s right flank. Despite Paderborn’s best efforts, the match went into the break with a two-goal lead for Dortmund.
The second half came around and the rhythm of the game wasn’t much different from what we saw during the first forty-five minutes: Borussia Dortmund having their best chances through counter-attacks and Paderborn looking dangerous every time they ventured forward. And their hard work was rewarded in the 79th minute when some sloppy defending saw substitute Julian Justvan half the deficit.
Ending à la Borussia Dortmund
It was around this time that the game which seemed to be a controlled one, spiralled into another dramatic and troubled finale. It was game on at the Westfalenstadion and an inspired Paderborn side were getting closer and closer. It was in the dying minutes of the match in which Felix Passlack made a reckless tackle inside the penalty box, overriding Erling Haaland’s goal that originated from the turnover in position. The clock marked the 97th minute and the referee awarded Paderborn a penalty after consulting with the pitch side monitor. Prince Osei Owusu converted from the spot and sent the match to extra time.
So Borussia Dortmund had to play on for another half hour, and they were finally able to make their superiority on paper count. It was Erling Haaland who scored what proved to be the winner in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time. Time ran down and fatigue took its toll on the BVB players. And there will no doubt be 1-2 minor injuries, but hopefully no major ones. Borussia Dortmund finally made it past the round of 16, having failed to do so for the past two seasons. But they were nearly taken all the way by an unfancied Paderborn side.
Now that the Paderborn test has been completed, Edin Terzic and his men have about 72 hours to get everyone back in shape for Saturday’s visit to SC Freiburg, which will by no means be a straightforward game.