Marco Rose uses two-striker formation as Borussia Dortmund beat Bologna 3-0

Marco Rose used a two-striker formation for the first time as Borussia Dortmund head coach. And it worked to a great effect as the Black and Yellows cruised to a 3-0 win over Bologna. 

Borussia Dortmund put in arguably their best performance of pre-season as they beat Italian side Bologna FC 3-0 in Austria on Friday. First half goals from Gio Reyna, Lennard Maloney and Steffen Tigges sealed a comfortable win for BVB.

Marco Rose changed his system for the game against Bologna, going with a 4-2-2-2 formation. Erling Haaland and Steffen Tigges started up front, with Gio Reyna and Marco Reus playing in the dual number ten role.

And the formation change worked really well, as Borussia Dortmund played some gorgeous football in the first half. Rose-ball was in full flow at times, with some lovely interplay on display. Erling Haaland looked especially dangerous and caused the Bologna defenders all sorts of problems. The Norwegian international had the ball in the back of the net in the eighth minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Haaland and Tigges then both forced saves from Łukasz Skorupski. But the Bologna goalkeeper was finally beaten in the 24th minute, when Gio Reyna showed good awareness and made it 1-0 on the rebound after Haaland’s initial shot was saved.

Lennard Maloney then got on the end of Marco Reus’ cross and doubled Borussia Dortmund’s advantage with an excellent header from 12 yards out. Steffen Tigges made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time to all but wrap up the win.

Julian Brandt and Marco Reus both came close to adding to Borussia Dortmund’s lead in the second half. But there were to be no more goals after the break.

Borussia Dortmund still enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win in their final pre-season test match. And Marco Rose will certainly be pleased to have avoided any injuries ahead of next weekend’s DFB-Pokal first round clash against SV Wehen Wiesbaden.