Sevilla – Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund Torch Sevilla (2-3)

Based on the form book, Borussia Dortmund's prospects could not have been bleaker. Yet, despite going down early, their rampant intensity on the break against a sluggish Sevilla outfit made the difference in a superb showing.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Borussia Dortmund find themselves in a sporting crisis. Sacking Lucien Favre has done little to steady the side, who sit six points off the top four in the league. And with continual talk of their precocious talents leaving the sinking ship, caretaker manager Edin Terzić was desperate to steer the team back on track. But Dortmund's form could hardly be more at odds with their hosts. 

Since a 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid, Sevilla have eased away from the chasing pack to the top four. While gaining the services of attacking maverick Papu Gómez, they have quietly been one of Europe's in-form teams, winning all of their last nine games. Mimicking their rich vein of form that culminated toward Europa League triumph in 2020, the home team now aimed to embark on a similarly deep run amid the elite.

Terzić went for a 4-3-3 formation, moving away from his usual 4-2-3-1 system. This setup saw the manager hand a start to Mahmoud Dahoud, who played as a central midfielder to Jude Bellingham. Emre Can shielded the backline, leaving Mateu Morey to complete the back four. The last tweak to the weekend lineup against Hoffenheim was upfront, where Marco Reus joined Erling Braut . . .