Borussia Dortmund squeak past Hannover 96 to secure DFB-Pokal last 16 spot

Borussia Dortmund needed an excellent performance from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to get the better of Hannover 96 in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.

Borussia Dortmund are through to the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal after securing an unconvincing 2-0 win over 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96. An own goal from Bright Arrey-Mbi gave BVB the lead in the first half, before Jude Bellingham came off the bench and made sure of the win.

But it was another very ordinary performance from the Black and Yellows. And had it not been for some spectacular goalkeeping from Gregor Kobel, the result could have been a very different one.

Edin Terzic reverted to a back four, with Niklas Süle captaining the side and partnering Nico Schlotterbeck in defence. Jude Bellingham was given some much needed rest, while Thorgan Hazard made his first start for the club since August.

Borussia Dortmund still seemed to be suffering from the after effects of Sunday’s defeat to Union Berlin for much of the first half. Hannover 96 began the game on the front foot and would have taken the lead in the 6th minute had it not been for an excellent reaction save from Gregor Kobel to deny Håvard Nielsen.

Borussia Dortmund’s build-up play often looked laboured and lethargic, with Youssoufa Moukoko being the only exception. And the 17 year old helped his side take the lead in the 11th minute by forcing an own goal. Moukoko went for goal from a tight angle, and his effort was turned in by Bayern Munich loanee Bright Arrey-Mbi.

Kobel was called into action once again in the 31st minute after Nielsen was played through on goal. And the Swiss shot-stopper stood firm once again to keep his side’s lead intact.

The second half started in a very similar manner, with Hannover creating the better chances. Hendrik Weydandt and Håvard Nielsen both had golden opportunities to equalise for the home side, but a lack of clinical edge in front of goal prevented them from taking advantage.

Edin Terzic decided to bring on Jude Bellingham, and the England international made a big impact on the game as he won his side a penalty in the 70th minute before stepping up and scoring to put the game beyond any doubt.

Borussia Dortmund did have Karim Adeyemi sent off late on, but they managed to see out the win in the end. The result is all that matters in the DFB-Pokal, but the lacklustre performance from BVB showed that they still have plenty of work to do if they want to reach their goals for this season. Next up for Dortmund is a home game against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this weekend.