Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has come out in defense of his club following their disappointing 0-0 draw with Union Berlin on Saturday.
The BVB failed to win their third match in a row in all competitions following an underwhelming display at the Stadion An der Alten where they struggled to create meaningful goalscoring chances.
Niko Kovac's side finished with just two shots on target despite a mammoth 64% possession while Maximilian Beier and Serhou Guirassy missed big chances.
After winning their opening four league games, Dortmund have now drawn consecutively, allowing Bayern Munich to draw level with them on points.
Ricken admitted that the result was upsetting but came out in support of his side nonetheless. Speaking to the press after the game, he said:
"We’re obviously disappointed. I think the team rose to the challenge, playing with great intensity and physicality from the start. Of course, that also made the game a bit disjointed. We did create chances when we got into our rhythm and tried to attack with purpose."
Kovac made five changes to his lineup from the Norway visit on Wednesday, slotting back in all their key players such as Guirassy, Julian Ryerson and Felix Nmecha among others.
However, Union Berlin threw a real surprise with a resilient defensive display, forcing Dortmund to attempt shots from range without letting them get a clear sight of goal from inside the box.
In the 52nd minute, Beier had a wonderful chance to break the deadlock when Ryerson's cross found him in the penalty area, but the forward blazed his shot wide.
Guirassy also found an opening late in the second half, showing neat footwork to evade his marker, but his shot was blocked by his own teammate Mathis Albert, who lost his footing under a challenge from a Berlin defender.
Given Dortmund's splendid record in the fixture, as well as the fact that the rivals had never played a draw in the Bundesliga before, the result was a real shocker, especially with the Iron Ones struggling in relegation zone on the back of a calamitous defense.
The Prussians remained in second place of the league table with 14 points as Bayern lead on goal-difference whilst their title credentials are once again challenged. They next play Azeri Sabah FK on matchday three of the Champions League season on Tuesday, for their third consecutive away game in all competitions.
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