Borussia Dortmund overcame a stubborn Werder Bremen side 1-0 to return to the top of the Bundesliga table – even if it is just for a matter of hours. However, the first half would be one of frustration for Die Schwarzgelben. They would be limited to half-chances from a Werder Bremen side that were more than content to try and catch the hosts on the counterattack. Michael Zetterer would prove to be the antagonist from a Dortmund perspective, as both sides went in level at the break.
Nevertheless, Dortmund would come out of the break with the same intent as the first: to get themselves into a commanding position. It would take the genius of Felix Nmecha and the intelligence of Julian Brandt to break the deadlock, as the former Wolfsburg midfielder delicately threaded a ball through to Brandt, whose chip over Zetterer broke the Bremen resistance.
However, after Dortmund took the lead, Bremen would fail to threaten Gregor Kobel’s goal, as BvB looked more likely to add to their advantage. But, despite their best efforts, the scoreline would stay at 1-0, as Dortmund extended their unbeaten start to the season. As for Bremen, if other results go against them over matchday eight, they could end the weekend in the relegation play-off. It is a worrying time for Ole Werner’s side, who are missing the goal threat of Niclas Füllkrug.
The international break does not disturb Dortmund
With Germany travelling to the United States over the international break to take on the US and Mexico, the DFB have had to face a considerable amount of backlash about how the players would be affected by the travel time. Borussia Dortmund were one of the sides that saw several of their key players head over as part of Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl had organised a private jet for his players to return as quickly as possible; however, having to play 40 hours after the final whistle was always going to be an uphill battle for Dortmund. Nevertheless, they would take the game to Bremen from the first whistle as they looked to maintain their unbeaten record in the Bundesliga.
Chances would come and go for Die Schwarzgelben, but their resilience and determination would ultimately pay off – while also highlighting how much of a threat they are to those at the top of the table. Julian Brandt continued to prove why he is such a pivotal part of this Dortmund side, while Felix Nmecha showed that he can step up to the plate. Certainly not the most glamorous 90 minutes of Terzić’s reign, but one that demonstrated the character within the side.
Bremen’s defensive vulnerability costs them
Since Werder Bremen achieved promotion back to the Bundesliga last season, they have entertained the masses with their games often overseeing a considerable amount of goals. However, understandably, this has seen Ole Werner’s side concede a significant number of goals.
Last season, only three teams conceded more goals than Bremen, which has carried over to this season as prior to kick-off, only Darmstadt, Mainz, and Bochum had a leakier backline. This is something that Dortmund were able to exploit and take advantage of from the first whistle.
While they would be able to hold Dortmund at bay for over an hour, their inability to threaten Gregor Kobel’s goal meant that it only took one Dortmund goal to condemn Die Werderaner to defeat. Improved organisation to the Bremen backline may have frustrated BvB for a period of the game, but with just one clean sheet all season, Ole Werner has to address the issues at hand if they want to avoid a potential relegation battle come May.
Dortmund do not rely on individuals
Throughout the course of the season, it has become apparent that if Dortmund are to win the Bundesliga title this season, it will not be down to one or two individuals. While in seasons past, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Jadon Sancho have often been the main attractions, this season, Dortmund have been rewarded due to their collective effort.
In previous outings, the experience of Mats Hummels and Marco Reus has led Die Schwarzgelben to the three points they were searching for. Whereas, Donyell Malen’s phenomenal form has attracted the attention of Europe’s finest sides.
Nevertheless, against Werder Bremen, it would be Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha to find a solution for Edin Terzić’s side. The pair combined to break down a stubborn Bremen rearguard and showed that when an answer is needed, there is often someone in this side who has the answer. For the first time in a while, Dortmund reflect a side that are willing to battle for each other, and it could hold them in good stead in the title race.
GGFN | Will Shopland