A magical solo by Karim Adeyemi gives Borussia Dortmund hope of a Champions League triumph over the excessive money-slingers FC Chelsea. The international gave the very focused BVB a 1-0 (0-0) 50m run in the round of 16 first leg against the English Croesus, who pumped another hundred million euros into his team in the winter. Dortmund have good cards for the second leg on March 7th in London.
Borussia played very aggressively and compactly on Wednesday evening, but they shied away from more offensive risks given the strength of the guests in front of 81,365 spectators. Then Adeyemi ignited the turbo after an opponent’s corner just before the center line and was on the way to the goal (63rd) unstoppable. The jubilation was just as great when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and Emre Can saved together in dire need against Kalidou Koulibaly (77th).
The guests put the pearls of their crazy winter shopping tour on display: world champion Enzo Fernandez from Argentina, worth a whopping 121 million euros, Michailo Mudryk, who can cost up to 100 million euros, plus Joao Felix in the brilliantly manned offensive in front of the German international striker Kai Havertz. The investments of the past seven months add up to well over half a billion, with long-term contracts the club is cheating on the financial fair play rules.
At first, however, the rather heterogeneous mix of giant kickers only resulted in a goal that was called back after a corner kick: Thiago Silva had hit the ball over the line with his hand (17th). Felix (32′) missed the greatest chance so far with a shot over the goal, later he hit the crossbar (38′). After six victories in the six competitive games of the new year, Dortmund put compactness and team spirit on the other hand. Salih Özcan started in a more defensive orientation for captain Marco Reus, up front Sebastien Haller made an unremarkable Champions League debut for BVB – Dortmund attacked early, was awake, but had several problems with speed and agility, especially from Felix, Mudryk or Havertz. BVB troublemakers were the strong Julian Brandt behind Haller and Adeyemi on the left wing.
Before Dortmund’s winning goal, the guests from London have the better chances
However, Chelsea’s counterattack prevented Dortmund from daring to attack more despite higher values for ball possession and shots on goal. The degrees of the guests were therefore far more dangerous. From then on, BVB tried to take a wait and see position, but came under pressure as a result. Jude Bellingham was on the verge of being sent off after 55 minutes and Kobel saved a Hakim Ziyech free-kick. For Dortmund Brandt failed to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (58th).
It wasn’t a high-class clash, more of an intense, cautious one that seemed to be leaning towards Chelsea’s lead. Adeyemi then played his speed spectacularly, Fernandez was overrun, as was goalkeeper Kepa, who had no chance.