Dortmund breeze past Hertha as title race heats up
Borussia Dortmund took to the pitch in a glitzy all black kit today as they faced Hertha Berlin at the Westfalenstadion. The one-off jersey paid homage to the city’s mining and steel industry which sculpted the Ruhr-based club’s deep-rooted heritage since its creation in 1909.
But what steel and determination Edin Terzic’s side demonstrated today as they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners! Goals from Adeyemi, Malen, Reus, and Brandt means Dortmund climb level on points at the top with Bayern and Union Berlin.
There was a momentary delay to the early action as pyro smoke added to the atmospheric occasion. Despite their dominance in possession, Dortmund failed to threaten inside the opening 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Hertha came close to capitalising on some slack Schlotterbeck defending as Niederlechner and Richter tested Kobel.
But what steel and determination Edin Terzic’s side demonstrated today as they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners! Goals from Adeyemi, Malen, Reus, and Brandt means Dortmund climb level on points at the top with Bayern and Union Berlin.
Dortmund did take the lead on 27 minutes as Reus turned provider on this occasion. A delightful ball picked out the red-hot Karim Adeyemi, whose subtle flicked finish beat Christensen all ends up. One quickly became two thereafter - Adeyemi found Malen at the back post who squeezed his shot under the Hertha keeper’s legs for 2-0 in the 31st minute. Unfortunately, Adeyemi sustained a muscle injury in the build up to the goal and was forced off immediately. Otherwise Terzić’s troops held a commanding lead at the interval.
Hertha roared out of the dressing rooms and reduced the arrears inside a minute through Lucas Tousart. Suat Serdar picked out the Frenchman who was left with a routine finish from seven yards out. The introduction of Bellingham for Özcan, and Haller for Malen gave ‘Die Schwarzgelben’ some much needed impetus.
On 77 minutes, BVB restored their two-goal lead as Marco Reus made it 3-1. A simply wonderful free-kick, which was conceded by Rogel for handball, allowed the Dortmund skipper to convert and send the Yellow Wall into ecstasy. Although Sandro Schwarz made a rake of subs, Julian Brandt landed the final knockout punch to make it 4-1. Some excellent vision from Bynoe-Gittens fed the Bundesliga’s January player of the month who slotted home with ease.