Borussia Dortmund moved to the top of Group F after thrashing Belgian outfit Club Brugge 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League, courtesy an Erling Haaland double.
Club Brugge had a couple of chances early in the game, but it was Borussia Dortmund who opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Thorgan Hazard’s left-footed strike ended up into the back of the net after an error from the hosts’ goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Four minutes later, the Black and Yellows doubled their lead as Erling Haaland scored from a rebound effort from close-range after his initial effort had been saved by Mignolet. The Norwegian then made it 3-0 in favour of the Bundesliga giants a little after the half-hour mark, putting the finishing touch after being set up by Thomas Meunier.
Brugge had a few chances on either side of half-time through captain Ruud Vormer and full-back Eduard Sobol, but were unable to fight their way back into the game as Dortmund held on for a comfortable win.
To the top of the group we go! ? pic.twitter.com/AAlEoAUlw1
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) November 4, 2020
The result sees Lucien Favre’s side move to the top of Group F after Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by Zenit St. Petersburg. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Dortmund stars on Wednesday night in Bruges.
Roman Burki: 6/10
The Dortmund goalkeeper ended the game with four saves to his name, although almost each one of it was a straightforward stop. Could have been a bit sharper with his distribution.
Thomas Meunier: 7/10
Playing against his former club, the Dortmund summer signing registered his first assist for the Black and Yellows, finding Haaland for his second of the night after getting on the end of Mahmoud Dahoud’s pass. Provided an outlet down the right flank constantly, but did leave open spaces at the back, although Brugge failed to make the most of it.
Axel Witsel: 8/10
A surprise pick at the centre of the Dortmund backline, the Belgian international hardly looked out of place in the makeshift position. Witsel held his own against the threat of Emmanuel Dennis, coming out on top in an interesting duel. Made 2 clearances and 2 interceptions on the night, while winning 3 aerial battles. Headed the ball down to Haaland in the lead-up to the visitors’ second.
Axel Witsel as a central defender – replacing Mats Hummels (also as a captain).
One of the Man United youth scouts, who followed him between the age of 14-17, predicted that he would end up playing there.
He recommanded him, other #MUFC scouts thought he was ‘nothing special’. pic.twitter.com/oyZICnWKWo
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) November 5, 2020
Manuel Akanji: 7/10
Had to step in as the leader of the Dortmund defence in the absence of Mats Hummels. And while he was off to a dodgy start, the Switzerland international grew into an assured presence with time. Organised the backline well to ensure that the hosts didn’t get back into the game while showing good strength in his duels both in the air and on the ground.
Raphael Guerreiro: 7/10
Back into the starting XI after being rested at the weekend, the Portuguese international saw plenty of the ball and while he wasn’t directly involved in a goal, he did play a part in Dortmund’s first two strikes of the night. Wasn’t troubled a great deal at the back on the night.
Thomas Delaney: 7.5/10
Many expected to see Delaney start at the heart of the defence but the Dane occupied one of the two pivot positions in midfield and put up a solid display. Cut out the hosts’ counters before they flourished on numerous occasions while keeping it simple when on the ball. Was involved in the build-up to the opening goal with a well-hit cross, while he completed all his attempted tackles (3) and made 3 clearances as well.
Mahmoud Dahoud: 8/10
Continued his good form in Europe with another reliable display in the centre of the park. Kept things ticking for Dortmund with his precise distribution, completing 65 of his 70 passes at an accuracy of 93%. Played a key role in the lead-up to the third goal for Dortmund, with his sensational pass to pick Meunier out. Completed 2 successful tackles and made an interception.
GOAL! 0-3
⚽️@ErlingHaaland
?️@ThomMills #CLUBVB pic.twitter.com/zKCGzKJwUV— Borussen ✍? (@BorussenEdits) November 4, 2020
Giovanni Reyna: 6/10
Starting after his struggles in the last European encounter against Zenit St. Petersburg, the teenage starlet once again failed to impose himself on the proceedings. Created a chance for Haaland in the first period while his defensive work-rate was impressive as well, with the youngster making a game-high three interceptions. But, he lacked the cutting edge in attack.
Julian Brandt: 6/10
Starting in the No. 10 role for the visitors, the German international wasn’t as effective as he can be, as he failed to create chances for those around him. Did play one key pass, while misplacing just six of his 47 attempted passes. Hooked off for Marco Reus.
Thorgan Hazard: 8/10
A dangerous presence in the attacking third, the Belgian international was a major thorn in the side for the hosts each time he was on the ball. Opened the scoring on the night with a well-struck left-footed strike and continued to remain a potent threat. Wasn’t shy of putting in the hard yards defensively either.
Erling Haaland: 9/10
Erling Haaland's game by numbers vs. Club Brugge:
100% aerial duels won
37 touches
11 touches in the opp box
8 contested duels
5 shots
4 shots on target
2 goals
1 chance createdAll he does is score goals. ? pic.twitter.com/1Tj1Vxo6cG
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 4, 2020
Brilliant once again. The 20-year-old, returning from an injury, was at his best against Club Brugge, causing problems with his pace and movement, while his hold-up play at the top was excellent as well. Scored two well-taken goals to seal the victory for Dortmund in the first period and almost created one for Hazard in the second period.
Completed all of his attempted dribbles (3) and won all of his aerial duels on the night (3). Has now scored as many Champions League goals as Brazilian legends Adriano and Ronaldo (14).
Substitutes
Jude Bellingham: 6/10
Sent on for Delaney in the 72nd minute. A bright cameo from the teenage sensation, who played some intelligent forward passes from the centre.
Marco Reus: 5/10
Thrown on in place of Brandt for the final twenty minutes or so. The game was already in the bag by the time he came on.
Felix Passlack: N/A
Replaced Reyna with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.
Reinier Jesus: N/A
Late substitute for Haaland.
Mateu Morey: N/A
Came on for Meunier in the 84th minute.
