Champions League
Noble joker Haller gives BVB hope
Sébastien Haller scored the all-important goal for BVB. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
In the first half it looked like a lesson for BVB in the Champions League duel with Atlético Madrid. But then Sébastien Haller brought back hope for the semi-finals.
“This goal can still be very important. We leave here with a good feeling that we can still sort things out at home,” commented sports director Sebastian Kehl. Like the fans, he is hoping for a happy ending in the second leg at home next Tuesday and Borussia’s first semi-final in the premier class in eleven years.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute, the 29-year-old Haller struck in the 81st minute in the style of a real goalscorer and, after a desolate performance in the first 35 minutes, gave his team a goal with goals conceded by Rodrigo de Paul (4th minute) and Samuel Lino (32nd minute). ) the belief in moving forward is restored. Coach Edin Terzic raved: “Sébastien really made the most of the time during the international break. That’s why he deserved this chance – and took advantage of it.”
Already at the Africa Cup at the beginning of the year, the former problem child, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in the summer of 2022, seemed to be well on the way back to his old class. His winning goal for the Ivorian national team in the final propelled him back into the spotlight. But a subsequent injury set him back for weeks. “We really regretted that he couldn’t bring the euphoria from the Africa Cup to us. But now things are looking really good for him again,” said Terzic.
Kehl described Haller’s recovery with similar euphoria: “He’s worked a lot in training, is incredibly professional and is waiting for his chance. We know that he hasn’t forgotten where the goal is. He’s very important for the team.”