Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Borussia Monchengladbach: 5 players who impressed for BVB | Bundesliga 2019-20 

Borussia Dortmund returned to the top four following their victory over Monchengladbach
Borussia Dortmund returned to the top four following their victory over Monchengladbach

A well-taken goal on the cusp of the hour mark from skipper Marco Reus ensured a crucial win for Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park against Borussia Monchengladbach in a game that swung like a pendulum for many reasons, including the much-debated VAR.

Meanwhile, the visitors missed the opportunity of moving to an incredible 19 points from their opening eight matches. Given the way they've been playing so far, coupled with the manner in which Lucien Favre's men have been shipping goals of late, they'd definitely be a relieved bunch after the narrow victory.

The game began at an astounding pace, with both sides probing for the opener. The killer's instinct, or what one labels as the final ball, was somewhere not plugged in by either side.

Monchengladbach spurned their chances, which ultimately left them lurching as Reus finally scored after Thorgan Hazard was denied by VAR in the 32nd minute.

Nonetheless, Dortmund secured three vital points, and are now just one behind Marco Rose's men and level with the champions in the Bundesliga table.

On that note, let's look at five players who stood out for the home side in their 1-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.


#5 Julian Weigl

Julian Weigl stood up to his task well en route to the clean sheet
Julian Weigl stood up to his task well en route to the clean sheet

Drafted in as a make-shift center-half, Julian Weigl rose to the occasion to help his side maintain the shut-out. He looked extremely comfortable at the heart of defence alongside Mats Hummels.

More so, Weigl was apt with his range of passing, tackling and blocking shots. Although there were a couple of positional errors, he could be forgiven for the mentality and character displayed.

He was quick to sweep across the ground, cover gaps and complement his defensive partner. A handful of last-gasp contributions came in handy as well, as Dortmund scraped the three points.

#4 Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi was a constant threat down the right-hand side
Achraf Hakimi was a constant threat down the right-hand side

Achraf Hakimi is loving life as a forward man. He's had the defensive burden reduced, and the results down the other end seem to be reflecting.

The 20-year-old has been impressive thus far in his new role, and today as well, he was right up there - fearlessly running the races and creating a pool of opportunities.

He's known for his frenetic speed and acceleration, but the way he utilized his skillset remained praiseworthy throughout the course of the contest. Alongside Hazard, he was the creator-in-chief.

Hakimi sprung into life in one versus one situations, and fed many passes into the middle. What stood out was the youngster's drive, desire and intelligence.

His counter-attacking prowess brought about a sense of urgency in Dortmund's play, while the Moroccan also covered a lot of distance in the course of the 90 minutes.

#3 Marco Reus

Cometh the hour, cometh the man!
Cometh the hour, cometh the man!

How often have we seen Marco Reus step up and produce a moment of inspiration for Dortmund?

His side were pushed to the back foot after the 20th minute mark or so for a substantial amount of time, Hazard's goal was denied by VAR and chances went begging, but the talismanic captain held his side together and owned the decisive moment of the match.

What makes Reus so special is his selfless attitude for the team, his players and the tactics. Often, the midfielder ran out of the desired channel to free up space and provided the extra shift defensively as well.

He binds the play together, exchanges quick passes with the midfielders and acts as a connecting dot between the holding men and the forwards. Reus' presence ensures Dortmund's players stay within a few metres next to each other.

Most importantly, his finish was exquisite. He could easily have fluffed his lines, but the Germany international had the awareness and composure to find the corner.

His knack of getting at the end of things is contagious; something that is certainly going to be celebrated and needed should Dortmund bid for the coveted Bundesliga title.

#2 Roman Burki

Roman Burki was sensational in the first half
Roman Burki was sensational in the first half

One goal can change the entire complexion of the game. A couple of goals, more often an not, seal the game. But, a string of smothering saves are just as essential and worthy of the credit.

Had it not been for the heroics of Roman Burki, Dortmund could well have been two or even three down by halftime. From then on, it would have been an unassailable task for sure, especially against a side that sits narrow at the back.

Breel Embolo had a clear-cut sight of goal, but Burki's decision-making and timing of the save proved to be the highlight of the play. Moments later, he produced one from the top drawer to deny Stefan Lainer's snap shot.

He continued to parry everything that came his way, take flight whenever required and develop the full stretch as well.

It could have been humiliating for BVB in front of their own supporters if not for the shot-stopper, who by no wonder then, was treated with a rapturous reception post injury.

#1 Thorgan Hazard

Thorgan Hazard was the prime creative outlet for BVB
Thorgan Hazard was the prime creative outlet for BVB

On the evening when Borussia Dortmund were set to feel the absence of Jadon Sancho, Thorgan Hazard chipped in with a match-winning performance. There was absolutely nothing that went wrong from his side.

He was at the heart of almost every move, and boy, his delivery was enticing. Hazard found those little pockets of space with aplomb and whipped in quality deliveries into the box. Not to mention, he was great on the set piece as well.

Otherwise, Hazard was lively throughout, and the prime creative outlet for his side. He broke away from challenges, infused the idea of cohesion in the second half and capped off his outing with a fine-tuned assist.

The Belgian was unlucky to have not featured on the score sheet, but he'd have hardly cared following such an immaculate performance. He's now amassed an impressive five assists so far in the league.

Thorgan Hazard's guile, pace and link-up play meant that he completely ran the show, at least for the larger part of the game.

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Edited by Kingshuk Kusari