Player Ratings: BVB 2-2 Bayern Munich (4-5 on penalties)

First title goes the other way

In many ways this was a typical Der Klassiker. BVB looked generally good but had a few bad moments that the Bavarians exploited and in the end a luckier Bayern-side won.

COACH

Peter Bosz: 7

He promised a lot of pressing and that is definitely what we’re gonna get. It is still early but Bosz’s style is eerily reminiscent of the football we grew accustomed to in the Klopp-years. A high-energy pressing that leaves the opponent no time to breathe and creates mistakes that Dortmund look to exploit. This worked perfectly on the first goal where Pulisic stole the ball from Martinez and had no problem converting on the subsequent 1-on-1 versus Ulreich.

Nevertheless the system has its flaws. The backline was constantly very high up the pitch which made it easy for Bayern to exploit it with simple through balls.

Moreover our build-up was not up to par just yet. This can be caused by the absence of Julian Weigl but it still has to be better than it was in the first half. It got a lot better in the second half but it still needs improvement if Dortmund wants to challenge for titles.

STARTING XI

Roman Bürki: 8

Bürki saved Dortmund’s bacon on a few occasions in the first half. We conceded twice but both goals were not his fault.

Dan-Axel Zagadou: 3

That was not good. Zagadou was easily the worst player on the pitch. A non-factor on offense and constantly in trouble on defense. The Frenchman left Kimmich completely alone on the left side which led to Bayern equalizing.

Side note: Before we criticize him too much, remember that he’s 18 and this was his first professional game at a position that he’s not used to playing. We’ll be ok once Schmelzer and Guerreiro are back.

Marc Bartra: 6

Bartra got caught out of position on a few occasions which led to Bayern chances in the first half. He stabilized in the second half and was solid in the build-up.

Sokratis: 6

Just like Bartra he played too high up the pitch which led to him running after Lewandowski for most of the game.

Lukasz Piszczek: 5

Piszczek did little to silence his critics in this game and reinforced the opinion that Dortmund need a new right back. At no point did he contain Ribéry in any way which led to numerous Bayern chances.

Nuri Sahin: 6

A tale of two halves for Nuri. Completely absent in the first half but solid in the second when he played a bit deeper and controlled the pace of the game.

Mahmoud Dahoud: 7

A very lively performance from Dahoud in his first game in the Signal Iduna Park. He did his best to give BVB’s game some sort of structure and had a few good runs. An encouraging performance overall from Mo until he got subbed off at halftime for Rode.

Gonzalo Castro: 6

A few good moments but was not involved enough in Dortmund’s build-up.

Christian Pulisic: 8 MOTM

A constant threat on the left wing and at the start of most BVB attacks. Pulisic is starting right where he left off last season.

Ousmane Dembélé: 6

Dembélé was his usual self. A few bad passes, a few bad decisions but then he had his moment once again when he played a wonderful through ball that led to Auba’s goal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7

A typical Auba game. He wasn’t involved all that much, although he did drop back into midfield a couple times to get the ball, but he was there when Dortmund needed him. PEA finished off a beautiful counter attack with a fantastic lob over Ulreich.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Sebastian Rode: 8

Well isn’t that a surprise! Rode got subbed on at halftime for Dahoud and was one of the best players in the second half. He pressed relentlessly, won the ball back and distributed it well. He will never be the most creative player but he may find his place in Bosz’s high pressing system.

Felix Passlack: NR

Committed a stupid foul that led to Bayern equalizing.

Maximilian Philipp: NR

Came on in stoppage time for Pulisic. Scored one of the penalty kicks.