Julian Brandt bagged a brace as Borussia Dortmund secured second place in the Bundesliga by registering a 3-1 win over Greuther Furth.
Borussia Dortmund confirmed their place as the runners-up in this season’s Bundesliga, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Greuther Furth on Saturday. The win takes them to 66 points, five ahead of third-placed Bayer Leverkusen, with just one game remaining until the end of the season.
It was not the most clinical game for Dortmund, who had difficulties establishing their dominance at the start. Furth even launched a few dangerous counter-attacks, with Branimir Hrgota notably finding the back of the net around the first quarter mark, though it was ruled out due to offside.
Dortmund even established their dominance in the 26th minute thanks to Julian Brandt. But BVB’s failure to find a second goal proved to be costly as Jessic Ngankam’s brilliant chipped effort led to the equaliser from Greuther Furth around the 70th-minute mark.
Fortunately for the visiting side, Brandt was at the top of his game, as he capitalised on a cross from Nico Schulz to fire the second goal and restore his side’s advantage in the 72nd minute before Felix Passlack eventually killed the tie with his deflected effort that deceived Andreas Linde in between the sticks.
Here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Borussia Dortmund players in their win over Greuther Furth this weekend.
Marwin Hitz: 6.5/10
Marwin Hitz was beaten comprehensively by Ngankam for Furth’s second-half equaliser. He was also beaten by Hrgota in the first half but it was ruled out due to offside. But the ‘keeper made a few vital saves to deny Furth from further extending their dominance, especially in the second half.
Emre Can: 6,5/10
Coming on the back of an excellent run of form, Emre Can had a decent outing. Playing on the right hand side of the back three, he stuck to his task well, avoiding any grave defensive errors. The midfielder has improved his temperament in recent weeks and it was evident in the game against Furth.
Manuel Akanji: 5/10
It was yet another underwhelming performance from Manuel Akanji. He was culpable for committing an error in the build-up, allowing Furth the opportunity to create a dangerous turnover and eventually find the back of the net for the equaliser.
Ngankam'ın şık golüyle Fürth, Dortmund karşısında eşitliği yakalıyor? pic.twitter.com/BuFAZszFtK
— Tivibu Spor (@tivibuspor) May 7, 2022
Dan-Axel Zagadou: 5/10
Dan-Axel Zagadou didn’t fare any better defensively. His positioning was lacklustre and the defender lacked the mobility to keep up with some of the Furth attackers and Simon Asta down the flanks. The French-Ivorian has been poor, to say the least, and does not deserve a contract extension.
Marius Wolf: 6/10
Marius Wolf had a difficult start to the game. He had problems imposing his authority on the right hand side of the attack. But he made some vital defensive contributions and worked hard for his team. The former Eintracht Frankfurt star is seemingly becoming the next Kevin Grosskreutz for Dortmund.
Axel Witsel: 7/10
Axel Witsel looked in good touch in the middle of the park. He looked solid in ball rotation and did not make any real defensive errors. The experienced midfielder has improved his game significantly in recent weeks and is certain to receive a warm farewell from the Dortmund fans at the Signal Iduna Park next weekend.
Jude Bellingham: 7.5/10
Jude Bellingham produced yet another excellent shift in the middle of the park. He was always willing to get into challenges while looking extremely useful in carrying the ball through half-spaces. The youngster’s smoothness helped Dortmund in transition, with the midfielder even scoring a late goal that was ruled out by VAR.
jude bellingham you’re the best. pic.twitter.com/2BG7XrfYls
— carina? (@bellinghamstan) May 7, 2022
Raphael Guerreiro: 6/10
It was an improved performance from Raphael Guerreiro, who has been under the cosh in recent weeks due to his lack of defensive awareness. While the wing-back still allowed acres of space to Asta, he was crucial going forward as well, notably attempting the shot on goal that led to Brandt’s opener.
Julian Brandt: 8/10
Julian Brandt was the undisputed man of the match in this win over Furth. The German international looked in brilliant touch. He was smooth with the ball at his feet and linked up extremely well with his teammates in the final third. Most importantly, he made full use of his goalscoring opportunities to bag a brace that will go a long way in helping him find a suitor in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Julian Brandt in the last 5 games:
3 ⚽️
2 ?️ pic.twitter.com/nWX3y20JUS— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 7, 2022
Marco Reus: 7/10
Marco Reus has clearly lost his goalscoring touch. He appears far too apprehensive in attempting a shot on goal and it was evident in the Furth game. At the same time, though, he remains a fine playmaker, as he opened up the defence multiple times with his precise passes in the final third.
Erling Haaland: 6/10
It was a slightly underwhelming performance from Erling Haaland. He offered the physical presence and thrust in the final third but was unlucky with the lack of goalscoring opportunities. The youngster will be hoping to score next weekend, in what could be his last game for Borussia Dortmund.
SUBSTITUTES
Felix Passlack: 6.5/10
Felix Passlack scored the all-important late goal that helped Dortmund seal the tie. Apart from the goal, he didn’t make much of an impression with his performance on the night.
Passlack! pic.twitter.com/fAd6iCX7vo
— GoncaloDias17 ?? (@goncalo_diass17) May 7, 2022
Nico Schulz: 6.5/10
Nico Schulz registered the assist for Brandt’s second goal of the night, with the left-back producing a driven cross from the left flank.
Youssoufa Moukoko: N/A
A late replacement for Haaland. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Immanuel Pherai: N/A
A late replacement for Reus. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
