AndrewBerlin. — Borussia Dortmund kept up the pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich ahead of this week’s clash between the two with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Wolfsburg yesterday.
The visitors were largely the better side throughout, controlling possession and probing for openings against an opponent set up to defend and hit on the break.
It was from such a patient move that Raphael Guerreiro gave them the lead, with his eighth goal of the season, slotting in from close range after Erling Braut Haaland had failed to convert.
Jadon Sancho, who has been struggling with a groin strain, again started on the bench but came on to set up the second goal, scored via a low-drilled finish by Achraf Hakimi.
Shortly after, a VAR review led to home player Felix Klaus being shown a straight red for a high tackle on Manuel Akanji, that caught the Dortmund player on the calf.
Dortmund’s win left them a point behind Bayern, but the reigning champions were still to Eintracht Frankfurt in last night’s late kick-off.
It is now two wins from two for Dortmund since German top-flight football returned, with this victory following the impressive one achieved over Schalke last weekend.
Once again, though, it made for eerie watching, with no fans in attendance and every shout from players and support staff audible.
And strict hygiene protocols remain firmly in place, meaning — amongst other measures — warm-ups were staggered, while coaching staff and substitutes wore masks and were all separated by two metres as they took their place on the sidelines.
In general, though, it appeared to be another success as Germany lead the way for Europe’s top leagues to follow in staging football during the ongoing pandemic.— BBC/Reuters.
Online Reporter