Borussia Dortmund has regained confidence following a strong second-half performance that led to a victory in Lisbon. Coach Niko Kovac emphasized a positive shift in the team’s energy, with Serhou Guirassy playing a key role by scoring and assisting goals. Sports director Sebastian Kehl highlighted the importance of team unity as they prepare for their upcoming match against VfL Bochum. This win marks a critical step to overcome their struggles in the Bundesliga and chase Champions League qualification.
Relief for Borussia Dortmund: Following a remarkable victory in Lisbon, BVB has successfully lifted the cloud of crisis and aims to continue this momentum in the league.
What transpired in the Borussia Dortmund locker room at the Estádio José Alvalade during halftime? After a lackluster first half, the Westphalian team emerged revitalized in the second half, showcasing a transformation that stunned fans and analysts alike.
With a notable boost in performance and three expertly executed goals, BVB has positioned itself favorably for the upcoming second leg against Sporting in just a week’s time.
Ricken: ‘It Felt Like a Handbrake Was Released’
According to those present, there were no harsh words from the new coach during halftime. Niko Kovac opted for a more measured approach in his speech. ‘The way we came out of the locker room felt like a handbrake was released—extremely bold and energized. The joy of playing was suddenly evident,’ stated sports managing director Lars Ricken.
Kovac expressed a desire to focus on the positives of the second half rather than dwell on the ‘less impressive’ first half. ‘We picked up the pace, utilized depth in our play, and allowed the opponent to chase us,’ noted Kovac, who was thoroughly impressed with his team’s tactical and physical display. ‘That brings me great joy,’ he added.
Guirassy Tops the Scoring Chart
The central figure in Dortmund’s success in Lisbon was none other than Serhou Guirassy, who played a pivotal role. His stunning header opened the scoring at 1-0, followed by a perfect assist for Pascal Groß’s 2-0 goal. This marked his 14th and 15th points (10 goals/5 assists) in the Champions League this season.
With this achievement, Guirassy now leads the Champions League scoring charts, surpassing Barcelona’s Raphinha (15) and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior (11).
Kehl: Unity Makes a Significant Impact
‘Serhou was truly omnipresent, providing immense support to the team,’ said sports director Sebastian Kehl. Notably, every goal scored by Dortmund originated from their right flank, where Brandt and Adeyemi frequently interchanged positions.
Kehl emphasized the importance of unity: ‘If we remain cohesive and reduce our mistakes, we can generate many more opportunities.’
Next Challenge: Bochum Awaits
Kehl acknowledged that the victory in Lisbon represents just the initial step out of the slump that had relegated Dortmund to 11th place in the Bundesliga standings.
This Saturday, the Revierderby against VfL Bochum looms on the horizon. This matchup has proven challenging for the favored Dortmund squad in recent encounters. Consistency is now crucial; a series of victories is necessary for Dortmund to close the gap on the Champions League spots, currently seven points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig.
A win against Bochum, coupled with advancement in the next week’s match against Lisbon, could restore confidence and optimism for the Borussians moving forward.
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