Erling Haaland ran the show yet again in the Champions League as Borussia Dortmund sealed 5-4 aggregate win over Sevilla on Tuesday.
Borussia Dortmund advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League thanks to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday that helped them win 5-4 on aggregate.
It was an electric start to the game for Sevilla, who pushed high up the pitch and rattled the Borussia Dortmund build-up in search of an early opener. However, they barely managed to answer for all their possession, struggling to even test the goalkeeper Marwin Hitz, though they did a fine job of suppressing the opposing attackers.
The early pressure did not last long, though, with Dortmund eventually enjoying more time on the ball. While the Black and Yellows did not particularly look dangerous, a poor decision from goalkeeper Bono saw Marco Reus and Erling Haaland combine for the opener for the home side.
The goal gave BVB a huge advantage heading into the second half, and they capitalised on it quite well too, netting their second in the 54th minute after a perplexing sequence of play. But just when Dortmund were cruising their way to a comfortable victory, a moment of madness from Emre Can helped Sevilla earn a penalty in the 67th minute.
Youssef En-Nesyri converted the resulting spot-kick and even scored a brilliant header late in the game to keep the hopes alive for his team. Unfortunately, it was too little too late as the Germans somehow managed to retain their slender advantage in the final one minute.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a closer look at the Borussia Dortmund players following their Champions League triumph over Sevilla this midweek.
Marwin Hitz: 6.5/10
Marwin Hitz did not have too much do despite Sevilla dominating the game during the first half. He did make one notable save in the second half but was unfortunate to have conceded from a penalty while he had no answer to En-Nesyri’s late header. A decent performance in goal nonetheless as the Dortmund keeper was quite solid with his punches and claims.
Mateu Morey: 7.5/10
Mateu Morey had a difficult time early on dealing with Ocampos, even picking up a yellow card inside 20 minutes. The youngster settled into the game really well though, producing a valiant display at right-back. He was reliable in defence, and quite useful with his forward passes, helping Dortmund get back into the game.
Emre Can: 6.5/10
Emre Can was performing decently in central defence, using his physical prowess to keep En-Nesyri quiet. However, a nonsensical foul midway through the second half led to a penalty, allowing Sevilla the opportunity to spark a late comeback. One could expect much more responsibility from such an experienced player.
emre can ruining the fun pic.twitter.com/t0CHpRhuxV
— rebecca (@schwarzgeIben) March 9, 2021
Mats Hummels: 8/10
Mats Hummels was a rock at the back throughout the course of the game. The veteran defender used his game-reading ability to intercept numerous long balls from Sevilla. He was also quite dominant in the air while quality on the ball was second to none. One of the best performances of the season for the Dortmund defender.
Nico Schulz: 7/10
Filling in for the absent Raphael Guerreiro, Nico Schulz looked solid on the left-hand side of the pitch, dealing with the threat of Suso. He did not provide much going forward, but that was understandable given his lack of offensive prowess. In the end, the left-back deserves credit for helping out his team on the defensive side of things.
Thomas Delaney: 7.5/10
Thomas Delaney was a vital cog in the Borussia Dortmund midfield. The Dane was calm and composed yet very dominant and intimidating presence in the middle of the park. His tackles, pressures and aggression made it difficult for Sevilla to dominate the game in the second half, paving the way for Dortmund to breath easy.
Jude Bellingham: 8.5/10
Jude Bellingham was one of the best performers on the pitch, producing a hard-working and competent display at the heart of midfield. The Englishman was aggressive and tenacious in his challenges and even on the ball, often looking to attack the Sevilla defence. An inspiring figure throughout the course of the game. Almost unreal for a 17-year-old.
Jude Bellingham vs Sevilla:
• 8 ball recoveries
• 6 of 6 tackles made
• 5 fouls won
• 2 of 2 dribbles completedImperious in knockout football at 17 years old. pic.twitter.com/TZxYQgVsCq
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) March 9, 2021
Mahmoud Dahoud: 7.5/10
It was a decent evening for Mahmoud Dahoud, who was the source of creativity in the Dortmund midfield. The number eight offered some excellent forward passes and even had a brilliant chance to score in the second half. Looked impulsive at times, but a valiant effort nonetheless, from the ex-Gladbach star who is seemingly becoming an indispensable figure in the middle of the park.
Thorgan Hazard: 7/10
Thorgan Hazard started in the absence of Jadon Sancho in the right wing slot. The Belgian did not offer the pace and trickery as his Dortmund teammate, but certainly was a threat on the counter. He was taken off midway through the second half, as Edin Terzic opted for more defensive bodies.
Marco Reus: 8/10
It was another scintillating display from Marco Reus, who worked his socks off throughout the game. The Dortmund captain was eventually rewarded as he assisted Haaland’s opener. Also impressed with his tenacity to win back possession while leading his team from the front. A quality performance.
What a player @woodyinho would have been without all those injuries. So smart, elegant and always understands where the game needs him more.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) March 9, 2021
Erling Haaland: 9/10
This is Erling Haaland’s world and we are all living in it!
Indeed, the Norwegian international, despite a slow start to the game, once again ripped the whole Sevilla defence with his power, tenacity and pace. Aside from the first goal, Haaland scored a majestic second by outmuscling Fernando but it was unfortunately ruled out. A tense sequence of play ultimately saw him score the second through a penalty.
Simply too good to handle for the Spanish giants, especially for the defenders who will remember this Haaland beating for a long time now.
What a night for Haaland ?
• Most UCL goals before turning 21
• Youngest player to score 20 UCL goals
• Fewest games to score 20 UCL goals
• First player to score 10+ goals in first two seasons in UCL
• First player in UCL history to score 2+ goals in 4 straight games pic.twitter.com/Jhdu7fk91d— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 9, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Felix Passlack: 6/10
Felix Passlack replaced Hazard midway through the second half to offer more defensive solidity on the left-hand side for Dortmund. Did not do too much to cause any danger going forward though.
Dan-Axel Zagadou: N/A
A late replacement for Schulz. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Thomas Meunier: N/A
A late replacement for Morey. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Nice game to watch.
You deserved to win?