Finally an away win! With the 3-0 (1-0) win over the Croatian double winner Dinamo Zagreb, Borussia Dortmund took a big step towards direct qualification for the knockout round of the Champions League. Goals from Jamie Gittens (41st minute), Ramy Bensebaini (56th) and Serhou Guirassy (90th) ensured the first competitive win away from home in over two months. However, Julian Brandt had to leave the pitch injured three days before the Bundesliga duel against FC Bayern.
Dortmund last won an away game in the European premier class on September 18th (3-0 at FC Bruges). After the fully deserved success against the passive team of former Bundesliga coach Nenad Bjelica, the previous season’s Champions League finalist is still the most successful German participant in this competition. With twelve points from five games, coach Nuri Sahin’s team is fifth in the table.
There were significant complaints from BVB fans around the game, who reported restrictive controls at the stadium entrance. “We condemn this form of controls and are currently in contact with Uefa and Dinamo Zagreb in order to report and process the incidents,” wrote the Bundesliga soccer team on the Internet platform X. The Dortmunders spoke of “cross-border action by the security service.” .
BVB had a lot of possession and quickly created chances. Bensebaini hit the crossbar with his header (8′). Almost 20 minutes later, Donyell Malen failed to hit the crossbar. However, with many attacks in the first half, more would have been possible for the Westphalians. Dinamo did not change their destructive style of play even after the change. After a corner from Pascal Groß, Bensebaini took advantage of a major defensive mistake by Dinamo with his header. The game was thus decided. Shortly before the end, substitute Guirassy completed a counterattack to the final score.
Stuttgart goes down 1:5 in Belgrade
VfB Stuttgart, on the other hand, had a bad evening in the heated atmosphere of the Belgrade stadium: Coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team lost the high-risk game at Red Star after an at times desolate performance 1:5 (1:2) and is in battle after the setback under even more pressure for the round of 16 play-offs.
Ermedin Demirovic took the lead for VfB in the fifth minute. For the Bosnian it was his first goal in the premier class. Silas, of all people, equalized (12th). The offensive player is currently on loan to Belgrade from VfB. Rade Krunic (31st), Mirko Ivanic (65th) and Nemanja Radonjic (69th/88th) then caused great frustration for the Swabians with their goals.
The German runner-up is now forced to achieve better results against Young Boys Bern (December 11th), Slovan Bratislava (January 21st) and Paris Saint-Germain (January 29th) in order to achieve their minimum goal. So far, VfB has just four points after five games. For Red Star it was their first ever points in the league phase.
There were a few incidents before the explosive game. There were violent clashes in downtown Belgrade. In addition, a number of Swabian supporters had turned back on the border with Serbia. There was talk of disproportionate controls. VfB had already warned in advance of incalculable risks. Parts of the Red Star Ultras are considered to seek violence.
Liverpool beat Real Madrid
Liverpool FC continued their impressive winning streak and defeated defending champions Real Madrid. Coach Arne Slot’s team defeated the Spaniards 2-0 (0-0) and thus underlined their current top form. Alexis Mac Allister (52nd) and substitute Cody Gakpo (76th) scored the goals. Both teams also missed a penalty each: Kylian Mbappé missed Real’s equalizer after just over an hour and was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. On the other side, Mohamed Salah (70th) shot a penalty shot to the left of the goal.
With an impeccable record of five wins, Liverpool remain confidently at the top of the table and can slowly but surely plan for the round of 16. Real, on the other hand, are stuck with six points and are in danger of losing sight of direct qualification for the round of 16. Real are currently only in 24th place and are just about in the second round.
Click here for the Champions League table.
