A blast from the past, Karim Adeyemi, and more: three things we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s victory over Heidenheim

Nuri Şahin’s Borussia Dortmund overcame Heidenheim with an emphatic 4-2 victory to kickstart matchday three, placing down a statement to those at the top of the Bundesliga in the process.

After racing into an early 2-0 lead, Dortmund threatened to throw their hard work away when Marvin Pieringer halved the deficit, but a quick response from Karim Adeyemi restored BvB’s two-goal lead heading into the break.

In the second half, the visitors once again found a way back into the game with a goal from twelve yards, but they failed to find the all-important leveller, allowing BvB to score a penalty of their own in injury time to ultimately leapfrog their opponents at the Bundesliga’s summit. 

A retro Borussia Dortmund performance

Last season, BvB were far from convincing on German soil, frequently underperforming in the Bundesliga despite their impressive run to the Champions League final.

A lack of attacking impetus had caused many of the BvB faithful to feel frustrated with the football under Edin Terzić; however, in the opening few fixtures with Nuri Şahin at the helm, the same issues had appeared to be plaguing Dortmund.

Nevertheless, against Heidenheim, the Black and Yellows looked like their former 2010s attacking self, having clearly used the international break effectively.

With neat intricate play in and around the Heidenheim penalty box, those in a black and yellow shirt were finding space and receiving the ball in a compact Heidenheim defensive unit.

While they had appeared to fade away after finding their second, Dortmund were able to hit back and keep control of the game, and if Sahin’s side can continue to do this for the remainder of the season, then they will certainly challenge for the Meisterschale.

Red hot Karim Adeyemi

Since joining BvB, Adeyemi has undoubtedly had his critics—largely for failing to consistently impress in a Dortmund shirt.

However, an impressive international break with the Germany U-21 side has clearly inspired the 22-year-old, who was key in everything impressive about the hosts.

After a smart assist for the opening goal, scored by Donyell Malen, Adeyemi fired in Dortmund’s following two goals.

Despite this, what was most impressive about the winger’s performance was his decision-making.

In key moments, every decision Adeyemi made was clear, correct, and perfectly executed, a factor that could be vital for Dortmund this season should the 22-year-old’s confidence remain this high.

Heidenheim meet their match

Having come into this fixture at the top of the Bundesliga table, some expected Heidenheim to push Dortmund all the way and potentially take a point away from the Westfalenstadion.

While they did show quality later in the game, it was in the early stages where the visitors let themselves down, failing to grasp control of the game and allowing the occasion to take over.

Nevertheless, this is not an indictment of Heidenheim, who should not be expected to turn up to Dortmund and outplay their hosts.

It is clear to see that while Frank Schmidt’s side are an impressive outfit, they are not at the level yet to overcome BvB, but any scare of relegation should not be lingering over the club. 

GGFN | Will Shopland