Erling Haaland was on target once again as Borussia Dortmund secured a fairly comfortable 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Borussia Dortmund moved one step closer towards sealing their place in the knockout round of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday.
The Black and Yellows were coming on the back of a formidable 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin on the weekend, and they managed to continue that run in this game, notably taking an early lead through none other than Erling Haaland.
Borussia Dortmund may have done better when it comes to creating clear cut opportunities. But, they were able to find the two-goal cushion they deserved, just before half-time when Jadon Sancho scored from a free-kick.
The goal helped Die Schwarzgelben come out with more confidence in the second half as they dominated the game from there on in. They were simply too much for the Club Brugge defence, as Haaland eventually found the third goal around the hour-mark, though the Norwegian was extremely lucky to get the scoring opportunity in the first place.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Borussia Dortmund players in their comfortable win over Brugge this midweek.
Roman Burki 6/10
Roman Burki virtually had nothing to do all game as the visitors barely provided any threat going forward. They even failed to amass a single shot on target, helping the Swiss goalkeeper to preserve an easy clean sheet – it’s three in three now for the Dortmund custodian in the Champions League this season.
Thomas Meunier 8/10
Thomas Meunier did a decent job on the right flank in this game, providing a lot of offensive support going forward. He was composed with his passing, rarely showing any signs of slowing down the build-up play. Did have one or two problems dealing with Charles De Ketelaere but nothing threatening.
Manuel Akanji 8/10
Manuel Akanji was simply excellent in the Dortmund backline. The Swiss international did a fantastic job in dealing with the offensive threat of Michael Krmencik, though he might consider himself to be lucky not to face Emmanuel Dennis. Akanji, meanwhile, was also involved in the third goal as he provided a laser pass towards Meunier in the build-up.
A solid performance
What a great performance by Akanji Hummels Jude and Delaney
Sancho scored, Pazlack Morey got time
We have to keep building on this and that's the secret sauce#BVB #ChampionsLeague #UCL
— BVB Forever (@DortmundIndia) November 24, 2020
Mats Hummels 7.5/10
Mats Hummels looked a little off in terms of his positioning. But, his experience, composure and an excellent eye for passes made life incredibly difficult for Borussia Dortmund. Two back to back good performances from the German centre-back.
Raphael Guerreiro 8/10
It was surprising to see Raphael Guerreiro not getting a rest against Brugge. However, that did not deter his performance as the Portuguese international was once again influential on the left flank. He moved forward whenever it was necessary, providing a creative essence in the final third while he also did a great job in dealing with Noa Lang.
Jude Bellingham 9/10
Jude Bellingham was one of the most impressive players in this game. The young Englishman showcased his box to box qualities by moving up and down the pitch, involving himself in challenges and making multiple interceptions. At the same time, he offered a creative essence while also acting as a ball-carrier, with the midfielder notably winning the freekick that led to the second goal.
Thomas Delaney 7.5/10
Thomas Delaney’s experience and leadership were key in helping Bellingham play with more freedom in the middle third of the pitch. The Dane did an excellent job of spreading the play as well, providing a series of delightful passes before eventually making way for Emre Can during the final phase of the game.
Jadon Sancho 9/10
Back into the starting lineup after getting a breather on Saturday, Jadon Sancho showed exactly what he is capable of. The Englishman was a total menace for the Brugge defence due to his speedy footwork and a seemingly telepathic understanding with his teammates. A brilliant strike from a free-kick was an ideal reward for his performance.
Jadon Sancho, are you kidding me?! Now that's how you take a free-kick ? pic.twitter.com/66hu37SZtR
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) November 24, 2020
Giovanni Reyna 7.5/10
Giovanni Reyna played a key role for Borussia Dortmund in the final third. His quick feet and intelligent movements allowed the wingers to get additional space out wide while the American international provided a host of key passes himself. Definitely seems like a better option than the likes of Marco Reus and Julian Brandt at the moment.
Thorgan Hazard 7/10
It was great to see Thorgan Hazard starting the game for Borussia Dortmund following an injury-layoff. The Belgian may not have been the best player in this game, but his work-rate and the willingness to break down the Brugge defence kept the opposition occupied.
Erling Haaland 9/10
It was just another day at the office for Erling Haaland, who continued his incredible run in the Champions League by scoring another brace against Brugge. The Norwegian showcased his instincts by being at the right place at the right time while his pace and strength were simply too much for the opposing centre-backs. Yet another Man of the Match performance from Dortmund’s Golden Boy.
?? Erling Haaland = 1st player in history to score 15 goals in his first 12 Champions League games ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/cQFx2manl7
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 24, 2020
Substitutes
Emre Can 7/10
Replaced Delaney during the final phase of the game as Lucien Favre opted for more energy in the middle of the park. He provided just that, often venturing forward in search of a fourth goal.
Mateu Morey 7/10
Replaced the tiring Meunier in the 73rd minute. It was a welcome introduction for the young Spaniard who has been unlucky with injuries this campaign. He showed his fine feet, keeping things neat and tidy.
Felix Passlack N/A
An 80th-minute replacement for Guerreiro. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Marco Reus N/A
Replaced Haaland late in the game, blocking the path for Youssoufa Moukoko to make his Champions League debut. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Julian Brandt N/A
Replaced Reyna late in the game. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
