Dortmund pummel Ruhr Rivals 4-0 in 98th Revierderby
The 98th edition of the Bundesrepublik's famed "Rivalen an der Ruhr" turned into a "demolition derby" in Gelsenkirchen.
Borussia Dortmund's 4-0 win over FC Schalke 04 calls into question whether the two sides might meet at all next season.
The torrential downpour continues for last place FC Schalke 04 after a thorough demolition in what may be final Revierderby for quite some time. Even before a ball was kicked, Christian Groß's Königsblauen learned that they had lost center back Shkodran Mustafi to a muscle pull in warm-ups. The team would also lose keeper Ralph Fährmann during the match and finish the game with third-string net-minder Michael Langer.
Borussia Dortmund's 4-0 win over FC Schalke 04 calls into question whether the two sides might meet at all next season.
A deep-seated 4-1-4-1 kept the BVB at bay for much of the opening half-hour. Dortmund retained much of the possession in the initial stages of the match, yet chances remained at a premium for both sides. Knappen keeper Fährmann sustained an abdominal injury early on. After multiple treatment breaks, it was determined that he could not continue. With back-up Frederick Rønnow unavailable, third-choice goalie Langer relieved the veteran in the 32nd minute.
Ten minutes after his introduction, the new keeper found himself powerless to prevent Jadon Sancho from scoring the opening goal. A poor giveaway from just outside the area saw Schwarzgelben fullback Mateu Morey set up the young Englishman totally unmarked in front of goal. Sancho made no mistake with a powerful drive in the 42nd. Less than three minutes later, Sancho whipped in a cross for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian phenom supplied a indescribably gorgeous mid-air volley finish that will surely earn consideration for the goal-of-the-season.
Down 0-2 at the half, Groß's Ruhrpotters did display some significant fight after the restart. BVB keeper Marwin Hitz did extremely well to tip a Suat serdar effort onto the post in the 51st. Unfortunately, noting came of Schalke's promising spell. Raphaël Guerreiro effectively put an end to proceedings in the 60th, netting Dortmund's third goal after a nifty one-two with Marco Reus. Deflated and dejected, the hosts could muster nothing more. Haaland added a fourth in the 79th.
Schalke now face another long consecutive winless streak. After eight fixtures without a win, hope disappears that the once-proud club can even rise above last place before the season is out. Dortmund have now captured three consecutive Revierderbys for the first time since Schalke since 1992.