Borussia Dortmund, led by coach Nuri Sahin, fought hard against Austrian powerhouse SK Sturm Graz, securing a crucial 1-0 victory in the Champions League league phase thanks to a late goal from substitute Donyell Malen. With nine players out, Dortmund had to rely on a patched-up lineup, but their resilience shone through in front of a packed Signal Iduna Park.
First Half: Dortmund Pushes but Lacks Finishing Touch
The pressure was on Dortmund from the get-go. Nine players sidelined meant BVB had a thin bench, with Sahin forced to get creative in positioning. Pascal Groß and Emre Can stepped into makeshift defensive roles, while Malen was the only experienced substitute available.
Despite these challenges, Dortmund dominated possession, creating opportunities that left the 81,365 fans optimistic. SK Sturm Graz held firm, with keeper Kjell Scherpen—towering at 2.06 meters—snatching Dortmund’s crosses out of the air and frustrating BVB’s forwards.
One of Dortmund’s best chances of the half came in the 43rd minute. Beier sliced through the defense and looked sure to score after getting past the keeper, but Sturm Graz captain Otar Kiteishvili cleared the ball off the line, keeping the game scoreless.
Second Half: A Nail-Biting Battle and Malen’s Heroics
The second half saw Dortmund continue their relentless push, though Sturm Graz kept the game tense by defending well and occasionally counter-attacking. Guirassy struggled to make a mark up front, and a deflected shot from Sabitzer drifted across the goal area without a Dortmund player able to capitalize.
Sahin, realizing his options were limited, finally brought on Malen in the 68th minute. This substitution proved to be a game-changer. Just 17 minutes later, Malen found himself in the perfect position and didn’t miss, striking home in the 85th minute to give Dortmund a 1-0 lead. The stadium erupted, and Dortmund’s bench collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
After the match, Sahin was visibly relieved, saying, “We kept a clean sheet, created chances, and scored late. At this point, all that matters is getting the three points.”
Key Performances
- Donyell Malen (8/10): Coming off the bench to score the game-winner, Malen’s late strike gave BVB the breakthrough they desperately needed.
- Nico Schlotterbeck (8/10): A rock in defense, Schlotterbeck managed to keep SK Sturm Graz’s counter-attacks at bay and played a crucial role in Dortmund’s clean sheet.
- Kjell Scherpen (8/10): The towering Sturm Graz goalkeeper pulled off multiple saves and intercepted crosses, keeping his team in the game until Malen’s goal.
Coach’s Take: Sahin’s Golden Decision
Sahin’s strategic challenges have been intense, with injuries decimating his roster. But his decision to bring Malen on as a late substitution paid off. “Our ‘now-or-never’ attitude was key,” he said. “Despite the setbacks, we played with belief and fought hard.”
This victory marked Dortmund’s seventh straight home win and gave them nine points in the Champions League, positioning them well for knockout stage qualification. Sahin praised his players’ adaptability, particularly the stand-in defenders, and noted that the team’s depth is being tested week by week.
Sturm Graz: Defensive Strategy with Moments of Danger
Sturm Graz entered the game as Austria’s dominant league leaders but without a point in the Champions League. They displayed strong defensive organization, effectively counter-attacking whenever possible. Though they rarely troubled Dortmund’s goal, Mika Biereth’s header in the 71st minute was a rare chance that could have swung the game.
Sturm’s defense, anchored by Scherpen’s aerial dominance and Kiteishvili’s presence, gave them stability. Despite the loss, they displayed resilience against one of Europe’s top sides, which will serve them well in upcoming matches.
FAQs
Dortmund managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz, with Donyell Malen scoring the winner in the 85th minute.
Donyell Malen came off the bench to score in the 85th minute, securing the win for Dortmund.
Despite numerous injuries, Dortmund’s resilience and Sahin’s timely substitutions were pivotal. Malen’s late goal was the defining moment.
With nine points from four games, Dortmund is well-positioned to advance. Their next games in the group phase will be crucial for securing qualification.
Conclusion: Dortmund Holds On, Eyes Champions League Knockouts
Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 win over SK Sturm Graz showcased their determination and tactical adaptability under challenging circumstances. With several key players sidelined, Dortmund’s depth was tested, but Malen’s late goal lifted them, preserving their unbeaten home record and inching them closer to the Champions League knockout stage. As Sahin aptly put it, this was a game where grit and a “now-or-never” mindset made all the difference.
As BVB looks forward, they’ll need to maintain their momentum and hope for reinforcements to return. The road ahead in the Champions League is challenging, but Dortmund’s resilience and tactical flexibility suggest they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion.
