Borussia Dortmund has digested the recent setbacks and is still involved in the Bundesliga title race. Coach Edin Terzic’s team defeated Union Berlin 2-1 (1-0) in the chasing duel and is only two points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Donyell Malen (28th) and substitute Youssoufa Moukoko (79th) secured BVB their eighth league home win in a row. Despite the sixth defeat of the season, Union remains third in the table. Kevin Behrens (61st) had equalized in the meantime.
Terzic reacted personally to the disastrous appearance in the cup in Leipzig (0: 2). Jude Bellingham, Karim Adeyemi and Sebastien Haller replaced captain Marco Reus, Salih Özcan and the sick Marius Wolf in the starting XI.
In front of 81,365 spectators in the sold-out Signal Iduna Park, the hosts could see the uncertainty after the recent setbacks in the early stages. Union dominated the first quarter of an hour four days after the end of the cup in Frankfurt (0:2), without becoming dangerous.
After 20 minutes, BVB took command against the now deep Berliners and looked for a gap in the dense defense of the guests. The first chance led to the lead. After a cross from Raphael Guerreiro, Malen escaped his opponent Niko Gießelmann and pushed the ball over the line from close range. Dortmund scored in the 47th league home game in a row.
At BVB, self-confidence grew, and the black and yellow were now very present in the duels. Haller had almost extended the lead at the break, but the striker failed with a header from close range by goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow (43rd).
BVB builds after the break
After the change, the encounter initially continued to lack highlights – but the Irons managed to equalize out of nowhere. Niklas Süle initially did not go into a header duel against Behrens. After a one-two with Sheraldo Becker, Behrens is already thinking about it.
There was initially no reaction from the hosts. BVB lacked speed, precision and ideas. The Berliners, who were actually harmless, even had the opportunity to take a tour. But Guerreiro made a strong save against Becker (71st) in dire need.
Terzic brought Reus and youngster Youssoufa Moukoko for the final phase and Dortmund increased the pressure again – with success.
