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Dispelled the frustration, but only partially reconciled the critics. For the time being, Borussia Dortmund is spared further uncomfortable discussions about an early exit from the title race. Two weeks after the much-discussed defeat at Union Berlin (1:2), coach Nuri Şahin’s team managed a lackluster 2:1 (1:0 over promoted team FC St. Pauli.
Thanks to goals from Ramy Bensebaini (43rd) and Serhou Guirassy (83rd) in front of 81,365 spectators in the sold-out Signal Park, BVB climbed to fourth place, at least for one day. However, the appearance was only of limited use as encouragement for the new edition of the last Champions League final on Tuesday (9 p.m.) at Real Madrid. The Kiezkickers had to accept their fifth defeat in the seventh game of the season and remained goalless for the fifth time, but they proved to be uncomfortable opponents and were close to a draw after Eric Smith’s equalizer (78th).
After the disappointing performance in Berlin, the international break felt painfully long for Dortmund. This is one of the reasons why there was a great will to make amends. Guirassy had a great chance to take the lead in the sixth minute when he was denied by guest keeper Nikola Vasilj from close range after a nice pass from Julian Brandt. However, this would remain the only truly dangerous scene for a long time. Despite the significant advantages in possession, Borussia found it difficult to create further scoring opportunities.
The guests were able to rely on their stable defense in this phase. The emphatically defensive tactics almost paid off early on. After Emre Can lost the ball, Oladapo Afolayan seemed to be on his way to making it 1-0 for Hamburg, but was prevented from scoring by Bensebaini at the last second. This opportunity encouraged St. Pauli to free itself more and more from its grip. It was almost worth it. BVB only narrowly escaped falling behind because the video assistant canceled Morgan Guilavogui’s supposed goal (30th) due to an offside position.
Despite their increased attacking efforts, the visitors’ defensive stability was not lost for a long time. Borussia seemed increasingly helpless, but still celebrated their lead two minutes before the break. Bensebaini’s first goal of the season was like a relief for them. After a cross from national player Pascal Groß, the full-back skillfully headed the ball into the net. Regardless of the deficit, St. Pauli continued to rely on defense after the restart. And as in the first half, BVB found it difficult to break through the bulwark. Only when Brandt’s long-range shot was parried by Vasilj (58th) was there any danger of scoring.
It was only as the playing time increased that the constant pressure began to become a problem for the guests. When Guirassy (64′) missed Vasilj again and Donyell Malen narrowly missed the ball after a cross from Jamie Gittens a few seconds later, the defense began to falter. Because BVB missed the early decision, the guests sensed their chance. A great long-range shot from Smith gave them hope of winning a point for a short time. But BVB hit back with a header from Guirassy after a cross from Gittens and secured a well-deserved victory. Dortmund’s record at home games this season is impeccable.
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