Before the game, BVB was prepared for the cauldron at the Estadio Metropolitano. But with kick-off, Dortmund acted like a rabbit in front of a snake. The fearful-looking BVB were shown their limits in the first half, which took Borussia completely by surprise.
{ “placeholderType”: “MREC” }
Two catastrophic mistakes by the recently improved BVB backline led to the goals conceded and to Dortmund needing a win in the second leg next week. Thanks to substitute Sébastien Haller and a completely different face in the second half, BVB can continue to dream of the semi-finals. The SPORT1 grades to the game:
Nightmare for Hummels, Schlotterbeck wobbles
GREGOR KOBEL: Never be allowed to play like that to Maatsen, who is under pressure from all sides, in the fourth minute of the game. No chance when conceding the second goal. Saved BVB from 0-3 with a monster save in the 75th minute. SPORT1 grade: 4
JULIAN RYERSON: Played within his abilities. At least the effort was right. But overwhelmed at speed against Atlético winger Samuel Lino. Was so busy on defense that he hardly made any offensive advances. SPORT1 grade: 3
{ “placeholderType”: “MREC” }
MATS HUMMELS: His 500th competitive game for BVB turned into a nightmare. First the veteran made unusual stopping errors (6th minute of the game), then after poor communication with Schlotterbeck he made it 0-2 (32nd). With his experience he couldn’t bring calm to Dortmund’s game this time. SPORT1 grade: 5
NICO SCHLOTTERBECK: Was a factor of uncertainty. Especially in the first half he hit some inaccurate balls, some of which ended up out of bounds (18th; 26th). His forward passes were also hardly received. In cooperation with Hummels’ fault for the 0:2. SPORT1 grade: 5
IAN MAATSEN: In the second minute, he slipped against Morata at the very last moment after a monster sprint, but two minutes later he made a bad mistake to make it 0-1 (4th). Then try to be secure with the ball without taking any major risks. Atlético keeper Oblak parried his shot on goal in the 42nd minute. SPORT1 grade: 5
BVB midfield uncertain – Sabitzer scores late
EMRE CAN (until 84.) Even though he was still in poor health yesterday, Can gained confidence from the start. Tried to resist with commitment and toughness. Got yellow in the 24th minute and then had to hold back a bit. Really wanted to turn the game around. But he often acted too imprecisely and rushed forward. SPORT1 grade: 3
{ “placeholderType”: “MREC” }
FELIX NMECHA (until 46): Was also preferred over Julian Brandt because of his robustness. But couldn’t provide much defensive stability. Trying to move forward, but without setting any accents. BVB had their first chance in the 31st minute. His header from a Sancho corner went over the Atlético box. Was substituted at half time. SPORT1 grade: 4
MARCEL SABITZER (until 84): Just like the rest of the team, they were initially anxious and had no access to the midfield. Lots of mistakes in forward movement. But it increased after a good half hour. Haller (81′) initiated the 1:2 with his heel. SPORT1 grade: 4
Füllkrug hardly takes part in the game at all
JADON SANCHO: He kept dribbling and always tried to be a troublemaker. As a result, he also lost a few balls. Had to work back a lot. SPORT1 grade: 3
KARIM ADEYEMI (until 73.): Was more inconspicuous than Sancho. Didn’t find his game and was rarely able to assert himself against the Madrid defenders. Couldn’t build on his last performances. His only approach to goal (35th) was blocked by ex-BVB player Witsel. SPORT1 grade: 4
NICLAS FÜLLKRUG (until 60): Hardly took part in the game at all. Only had six touches of the ball in the first half. After the break with an assist for a shot, but otherwise remained completely pale and was substituted in the 60th minute. SPORT1 grade: 5
Haller keeps BVB’s hopes alive
From 46. JULIAN BRANDT: Came on for Nmecha at half-time. With him, BVB’s game became more lively. Prepared Haller’s 1:2 (81st minute). Headed onto the crossbar in stoppage time, which was worth seeing. SPORT1 grade: 3
From 60. SÉBASTIEN HALLER: Was substituted for the completely pale filling jug and provided a glimmer of hope. Scored the 1-2 goal (81st) after Brandt’s preparatory work and left the chance for the semi-finals alive. For Haller it is the first BVB goal since August 2023 (then DFB Cup against Schott Mainz). SPORT1 grade: 2
From 73. JAMIE BYNOE-GITTENS: After his substitution, he did a lot of work on the left side. In the 87th, his powerful left-foot shot was deflected and hit the crossbar. That would have been a dream goal. SPORT1 grade: 2
From 84. MARCO REUS: SPORT1 grade: Without rating
From 84. SALIH ÖZCAN: SPORT1 grade: Without rating