Post-match Reaction: Borussia Blow it in Bologna

Dortmund lose, again!

Borussia Dortmund tumbled down the Champions League table on Tuesday after a terrible showing in Italy. Bologna earned their first ever UCL win against last season’s finalists and did so in emphatic fashion.

Before talking about the game, however, it is important to talk about Dortmund’s approach. I go into more detail below, but Sahin decided to bench two key players; club captain, Emre Can, and Julian Brandt. It was a statement from Nuri Sahin that things had to change and, unfortunately for Dortmund, they did not. The additional attackers failed to create opportunities and Giovanni Reyna struggled to pull strings as the midfield was overloaded.

Bologna, who are a good side despite what the UCL table suggests, were knocking on the door early in the game with Orsolini forcing a save after several chances on goal. Borussia Dortmund earned a penalty after Emil Holm dragged down Waldemar Anton in the box. Guirassy converted his Panenka and Dortmund were ahead! The first half saw Bologna dominate the traffic but poor finishing led them to fluff their chances.

The second half saw Bologna adjust well. They grew into the game and quickly found their shooting form. The pivotal change was Jens Odgaard coming into the midfield and the Dane was both creating chances and harrying Giovanni Reyna. In the 70th minute, a long ball from Lykogiannis found Odgard who squared the ball to Dallinga for an open goal. Bologna had scored by beating Dortmund’s defense in the footrace and quickly doubled their lead through a seemingly identical pass from Lykogiannis. This one made its way to Iling-Junior in the box who converted in the 72nd minute.

Sahin through players on the field to try and recover but it was simply not enough. Borussia Dortmund were outplayed, outworked, and outsmarted once again. Here are the highlights: