Gregor Kobel saved Borussia Dortmund from a bitter defeat in the Champions League. The Swiss saved BVB from a 0-0 draw against AC Milan shortly before the end, giving his team their first point in the current premier class season.
In contrast to the frightening false start in the defeat at Paris St. Germain (0-2), the hosts, who were loudly encouraged by their fans, presented themselves much more courageously, but lacked efficiency. Without a goal after two games, like two years ago, the preliminary round of the premier class could be the end of the line. “It’s more like two points lost,” summed up BVB striker Niclas Füllkrug DAZN.
The first major opportunity belonged to the visitors, who sniffed the early lead through Olivier Giroud. However, Mats Hummels was able to block the Frenchman’s attempt in time (4th).
Former Schalke player Malick Thiaw had the next chance for Milan around ten minutes later, but his header from a corner only landed on the goal net (16th).
For a long time, BVB had major problems appearing dangerously in front of the opponent’s goal. The Black and Yellows became really dangerous for the first time in the 27th minute when Donyell Malen narrowly missed from a distance. Niclas Füllkrug also failed from distance just five minutes later (31′).
After 20 rather harmless minutes, Milan also dared to enter the opponent’s penalty area again – and missed the best chance of the first half through Giroud. The Frenchman only maneuvered the ball over the box from a short distance and BVB escaped with a shock.
Shortly before the break, BVB increased the pressure again, but first missed the lead through Bensebaini and then Reus (44th).
After the break, Milan had the better chances again, with former Dortmund player Christian Pulisic almost giving the Italians the lead. However, the American’s shot from close range fell to Gregor Kobel, who once again saved BVB from falling behind (54′).
“We had our chances, but unfortunately we didn’t take advantage of them. We still have a good chance of reaching the next round. BVB defended well, you have to give them credit for that,” explained Pulisic DAZN.
BVB continued to find it extremely difficult to get the Rossoneri into trouble, and substitutes Karim Adeyemi, Felix Nmecha and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens didn’t do much to change that.
Milan again had the biggest chance of the game shortly before the end: Substitute Samu Chukwueze was once again denied by Kobel from close range, and Tijjani Reijnders’ follow-up shot just missed the goal (87′).
“We were a bit closer in the first half, but in the second half we no longer managed to get into the dangerous areas. We saw a decent game, but the impact was missing today,” said Terzic after the game. “What we did with our game in the second half wasn’t enough.”
With Sports Information Service (SID)