Defensive vulnerabilities, Jamie Gittens, and more: Three things we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s victory over Club Brugge
Borussia Dortmund kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 victory away to Belgian champions Club Brugge, continuing Nuri Şahin’s unbeaten start to life in charge of the club.
In what was Die Schwarzgelben’s first foray back into European football since their excruciating defeat in last season’s Champions League final against Real Madrid, hopes were undoubtedly high for Şahin’s side.
However, in the first half, despite dominating in possession, BvB were unable to create any clear goal-scoring opportunities, with Brugge presenting themselves as a far more dangerous outfit on the counter-attack.
After the interval, the rhythm of the game would change as the hosts began to probe the Dortmund goal on a far more consistent basis.
But Club Brugge would soon fade, and BvB took advantage with two goals from Jamie Gittens and a penalty from Serhou Guirassy, as Die Schwarzgelben made their night’s work look far more comfortable than it was in reality.
Defensive vulnerabilities to be ironed out
Since the new Bundesliga season restarted at the end of August, Dortmund have been a resolute defensive outfit.
Nevertheless, having kept two clean sheets in their opening two fixtures, Şahin’s side began to show signs of vulnerability at home to Heidenheim on Friday evening, conceding two goals in the process.
Once again, against Club Brugge, BvB looked like a side that could have conceded during any given attack, with the Belgian champions cutting through Dortmund’s backline with ease at times.
With a total of 18 shots and two big chances, the hosts created far more goalscoring opportunities than Dortmund had allowed in their opening two league fixtures.
While Dortmund were able to withstand Club Brugge’s voyages forward, it is another warning sign that not all is rosy for Die Schwarzgelben and there is work to be done if they are to challenge domestically and on the continent this season.
Jamie Gittens is Borussia Dortmund’s new star
Just under twelve months ago, Jamie Gittens was threatening to become a key player at the Westfalenstadion.
Having starred in the Champions League and the Bundesliga as a super sub for BvB, there was hope that the Englishman would be given the opportunity to be a regular starter for the Black and Yellow’s.
However, when Jadon Sancho returned to the Westfalenstadion, Gittens’ game time plummeted.
Despite this, the 20-year-old appears to be ready to make the step up this season; having already fired in two goals in the Bundesliga, Gittens was on target yet again to provide Dortmund with a valuable three points in the Champions League group stages with two fabulous goals.
As seen so far this season, Gittens is already a threat in front of goal, but with his confidence building, he is also becoming a far more direct danger one-on-one, and should he be given more game time, then this could be the Englishman’s breakout year.
Dortmund need to find control
Three points to kickstart Die Schwarzgelben’s Champions League campaign is undeniably a phenomenal start.
Nevertheless, Şahin’s side were far from convincing, with Club Brugge unfortunate to have not found a way past Gregor Kobel in goal.
While Bayern Munich dispatched Dinamo Zagreb in comfortable fashion, BvB were unable to replicate this—an issue that has also become apparent in the Bundesliga as well.
In all of Dortmund’s last four fixtures, they have yet to get on top and control a game with ease, and against Club Brugge, the game often resembled something more of a basketball game.
If BvB are to become a challenger for silverware this season, they will need to be able to silence their opposition and play them out of the game, as their current approach is certainly not sustainable.
GGFN | Will Shopland
