Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-1 (2-0) against SV Werder Bremen during Matchday 25 of the Bundesliga season, thereby maintaining their position in fourth place on the league table. Despite being reduced to 10 players, Borussia Dortmund managed to secure the win in a tense encounter.
Borussia Dortmund demonstrated significant prowess in the first half, capitalizing on two out of three opportunities amidst a crowd of 42,100 spectators at the fully occupied Weser-Stadion. Goals from Donyell Malen (21st minute) and Jadon Sancho (38th minute) propelled them to a 2-0 lead. However, their numerical advantage was compromised when Marcel Sabitzer received a red card just before halftime (45+1).
In the second half, despite being a man down, Borussia Dortmund maintained resilience. Despite Justin Njinmah narrowing the deficit to 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining, Borussia Dortmund exhibited commendable determination to preserve their lead and clinch the victory.
The scenario
In the contest between the eighth and fourth-placed teams, Borussia has demonstrated a consistent record of success against Werder Bremen, having suffered defeat in only one of their last 10 encounters in the Bundesliga. Notably, Borussia has secured victories in Bremen in each of the preceding three seasons. Conversely, Werder Bremen, currently positioned in the fourth spot, has managed to clinch victory in just one of their past four league fixtures. Furthermore, Borussia Dortmund enters this fixture boasting an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak away from home.
Personnel matters
Sébastien Haller was the sole absentee from the BVB lineup, as Gregor Kobel, having recuperated from injury, and Donyell Malen, having returned from suspension, rejoined the team and commenced play in lieu of Alexander Meyer and Karim Adeyemi, both of whom served as substitutes, in contrast to the prior weekend’s away victory in Berlin. Additionally, Felix Nmecha made his return to the squad for the first time since November 11, 2023.
Tactics
The Black & Yellow team adopted their customary 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sabitzer moving away from the double pivot and assuming an advanced position during possession phases. Sancho operated on the left flank, frequently drifting centrally and occasionally shifting towards the right, thereby facilitating Borussia Dortmund’s numerical superiority in attacking plays on the right side. Conversely, Bremen employed a 3-3-2-2 setup, featuring five defenders when out of possession, thereby ceding ball possession and significant areas of the field to Borussia Dortmund, effectively forming a 5-3-2 defensive shape. Offensive initiatives from Bremen were primarily initiated from the halfway line, relying on swift counterattacks and long balls forward following successful regains of possession.
The match & analysis
Borussia Dortmund initially struggled to capitalize on their significant possession dominance, amounting to 71% after just over a quarter of an hour, against a compactly defending Werder Bremen side. The latter managed to create the first notable scoring opportunity as Ducksch breached through the defense, attempting a lob on Kobel, who, however, remained vigilant (7).
However, Borussia Dortmund gradually found solutions and exploited spaces, resulting in several attempts on goal from within and around the box. Their breakthrough came with Brandt’s strike from the edge of the area after Süle’s assist, leading to a spectacular scissor kick goal by Malen (21). Despite further attempts, including Brandt’s effort from Füllkrug’s cross, which was offside, Borussia maintained their attacking momentum.
The match unfolded as an engaging and evenly contested encounter characterized by high intensity from both teams. While Njinmah’s attempt struck the side-netting, Borussia’s defense remained resolute, swiftly transitioning into attacking plays upon regaining possession. Notably, Sancho’s skillful play from the left resulted in a goal (38).
Nevertheless, Werder Bremen remained a threat, notably through Ducksch’s free-kick and subsequent corner, both of which were dealt with by Kobel (44). The first half concluded dramatically with Sabitzer receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Weiser during Bremen’s counter-attack.
Both teams adopted tactical adjustments at the start of the second half, with Bremen pressing higher and Dortmund introducing Hummels while altering to a 5-3-1 formation. Despite Bremen’s intensified pressure, Dortmund’s defense held firm, with Kobel making crucial saves and interventions.
As the match progressed, both teams made further substitutions, with Bremen introducing Kownacki and Dortmund bringing on Adeyemi and Özcan. However, Bremen managed to narrow the lead through Njinmah’s goal, exploiting a momentary lapse in Dortmund’s defensive organization (70).
Despite opportunities for Dortmund to extend their lead, notably through Adeyemi’s attempt, Bremen’s goalkeeper thwarted their efforts, ensuring a tense finale. Ultimately, neither side could alter the scoreline further, with Bremen’s last-minute attempts being blocked by Dortmund’s defense (90+3).