Upon reviewing BVB’s lineup for the match against FC Barcelona, I sensed that Borussia Dortmund had a significant opportunity to secure a win, while having little to lose. FC Barcelona, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, has been exceptional in Europe this season, only slightly trailing behind the high-flying Liverpool managed by Arne Slot. Nuri Sahin made the bold choice to start both Reyna and Duranville, and to my surprise, they both delivered commendable performances. Throughout the first half, Barcelona applied intense pressure on Dortmund, but the Black-and-Yellows displayed resilience, preventing them from finding the back of the net. As the second half unfolded, Dortmund gained momentum, although a swift turn and pass from Dani Olmo allowed Raphinha to breach the defense in the 53rd minute. The game saw a penalty awarded after Cubarsi fouled Serhou Guirassy, leveling the score. Both teams exhibited risky high-line defending, resulting in another goal for each. Unfortunately, Dortmund’s lack of communication between Pascal Groß and Jamie Gittens proved costly, as Groß’s mistake led to a counterattack, culminating in Ferran Torres scoring. The outcome was disappointing, yet the performance from BVB provided some encouragement. Below are my nominees for tonight’s Man of the Match:
Highlighting Nico Schlotterbeck’s Outstanding Performance
Nico Schlotterbeck once again found himself paired with a new center-back partner, Emre Can, yet he remained composed and unfazed by the change. The German international showcased his skills at a high level during the match, successfully intercepting multiple through balls and executing several crucial tackles. His long passes were pinpoint accurate, regularly breaking through Barcelona’s pressing strategy. However, his performance was marred by a serious injury sustained during the final moments of the game, leaving Sahin in a challenging position as he prepares for the upcoming match against Hoffenheim on Sunday. Schlotterbeck’s contributions were significant and will be sorely missed if he is unavailable for that match.
The Rising Star: Felix Nmecha’s Impressive Midfield Display
Felix Nmecha continues to cement his status as a key player for BVB, delivering another impressive performance as a defensive midfielder. His ability to turn and drive the ball forward was critical in transitioning play, often making it appear as though he was single-handedly carrying the team’s midfield. Nmecha demonstrated remarkable precision in his passing, achieving an outstanding accuracy rate of 95%, with only two misplaced passes against a highly aggressive Barcelona defense. His solitary mistake during the match was losing a duel to Dani Olmo, which resulted in Barcelona’s first goal. Despite this setback, Nmecha’s overall performance was commendable, although it was evident that the players ahead of him sometimes struggled to capitalize on his efforts.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25786104/2189442631.jpg)
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Serhou Guirassy’s Mixed Performance: Goals Amidst Struggles
To be frank, I found Serhou Guirassy’s performance to be quite disappointing today. He struggled to hold the ball against Iñigo Martinez and squandered several significant scoring chances. However, it’s essential to recognize that a top striker finds a way to score, even on an off day, and Guirassy managed to net two goals—one from a well-executed penalty and another from a simple finish into an empty net. His innate ability to be in the right place at the right time remains impressive, yet his technical skills faltered on this occasion. Improving consistency in his performance will be crucial for Guirassy as the season progresses.
Julien Duranville: The Teen Sensation Shines Against Top Opposition
I must highlight the remarkable performance of Julien Duranville, who appeared completely unfazed despite being thrust into a match against one of Europe’s elite teams. He consistently made Alejandro Balde look foolish on multiple occasions and generated numerous scoring opportunities in the first half. Sahin’s decision to include him in the starting lineup was justified, especially considering that Donyell Malen seemed to be mentally checked out. Duranville’s display at just 18 years old was truly impressive, and if he continues to develop at this rate, he could become a key player for Dortmund in the future. I eagerly anticipate seeing how he builds on this promising performance!
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2578817113.jpg)
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
More Stories
European Rugby Team of the Week: December 13-15 by Opta
Player Ratings: Borussia Dortmund vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-1
Kim Min-jae Played Through Injury for Bayern Munich