Borussia Dortmund – Koln: Beier Seals a Late Narrow Win (1-0)

Although Dortmund took a few minutes to settle into the tie, it was not long before they dominated the match. This did not, however, translate to chances, especially in the first half. But their persistence eventually paid off against a Köln side that mostly sat back and defended the 0-0 until the last minute when Maximilian Beier delivered the difference.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

After suffering a marginal defeat to Bayern Munich last weekend, where they underperformed in the first half but managed to get back into the game in the second, Borussia Dortmund got back to winning ways immediately. Midweek against FC København, Niko Kovač’s side secured a dominant 4-2 win after yet another tricky first half.

Köln have similarly had a positive start to the campaign, settling into life in the Bundesliga more seamlessly than many predicted after their promotion from the second division. That run has included surprise victories over two teams that finished in the top six last season – Freiburg and Mainz. During this period, their performances have not reflected defensive rigidity but rather showcased their attacking prowess, having scored in all games leading up to the Dortmund fixture.

Kovač made four changes to the side he fielded midweek, with most of the alterations made up front. Serhou Guirassy was paired with Karim Adeyemi and Carney Chukwuemeka instead of Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier. In midfield, Pascal Groß was preferred to Jobe Bellingham. Lastly, at right wingback, Julian Ryerson returned to the . . .