FC Köln 1-3 Borussia Dortmund: Three takeaways from the game

Borussia Dortmund have made it two wins in two in the Bundesliga after they beat newly-promoted side FC Köln by a margin of two goals. The scoreline flatters Dortmund as they had to work hard for the win.

In the first half, Köln hurried Dortmund players with their effective press, forcing them to make mistakes. They were also a very physical side, winning multiple duels. They were rewarded for their efforts when Dominick Drexler headed in at the near post in the 29th minute after a corner.

Dortmund grew into the game in the second half after Jadon Sancho fired in a left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 70th minute. This equaliser was a catalyst for Sancho’s side. Achraf Hakimi powered a header in the 85th minute to put Die Borussen in the lead and Paco Alcacer killed the game just before the game’s end with a tap in.

Without further ado, let us look at the three major talking points from the match.

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#1 Sancho deserves that new contract

Jadon Sancho scored one goal and provided an assist against Köln

Two days ago, Sancho signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund worth around £190,000 a week, as reported by the BBC.

For the majority of the game, the Englishman was very quiet and not his usual, electrifying self. However, he sprung into life in the 68th minute, when his shot on the edge of the box was deflected for a corner.

The subsequent corner ricocheted off a Köln player and onto Sancho’s left foot. The Englishman took a touch and fired a low shot past several bodies into the bottom left corner to give his side the equaliser and his second goal of the season.

After this goal, Sancho looked far quicker and more comfortable on the ball, playing one-two passes with Marco Reus, Brandt and Thorgan Hazard.

Just before the match ended, the winger registered an assist after he ran into the box with the ball from the halfway line. He drew the goalkeeper to him and unselfishly squared the ball to Alcacer to win the game 3-1.

It seems that signing that contract proved to be a snip for Dortmund as they look forward to another season with their prized asset.

Paco Alcacer scored the third goal.

#2 The substitutes won the game for Dortmund

Achraf Hakimi put Dortmund in front.

For 60 minutes, Lucien Favre’s players were being overrun in the middle of the park by the determination of Koln to retain possession. As a result, the manager was urged to bring in fresh legs in an attempt to bring the tie back in their favour. Favre made a double substitution, bringing on Achraf Hakimi and Julian Brandt.

Brandt made an immediate impact as a box-to-box midfielder. The summer signing fought to win the ball back multiple times when Dortmund lost possession. He also started attacks of his own, playing penetrating balls to the players in front of him.

It was his through ball to Pizsczek on the right that led to Hakimi’s goal. The Polish right back floated a ball to his fellow full back, who headed past Timo Horn.

Hakimi put in an impressive shift for Dortmund when he came on. His athleticism allowed him to switch between defence and attack quickly. He utilised his pace to retain the ball, stopping many Koln counterattacks in the process.

Then, he raced forward with the ball, linking up with Sancho and Reus on the left to create an attack of his own. His hard work paid off when he got his goal in the 85th minute.

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#3 BVB’s defensive issues still persist

Mats Hummels rejoined Borussia Dortmund in the summer

Despite the re-signing of Mats Hummels from Bayern Munich to shore up their backline, Dortmund still faced issues in defence.

In the game against Koln, the defenders came second best in aerial duels and tackles against the opposition. Hummels tried to calm things down with some good interceptions and clearances, but the players around him seemed nervous.

One of those players was Nico Schulz, who was bullied off the ball many times. Because of this, he was forced to play more cautiously and could not put any crosses into the box for Dortmund. He switched off for Koln’s goal since he did not pick up Drexler at the far post.

The player who was most affected by Koln’s press was Manuel Akanji. The 24 year old had a torrid time at centre back. He was unable to mark Anthony Modeste and Jhon Cordoba, who ran rings around him. Many of his passes were easily intercepted and he could not clear his lines sufficiently.

If Dortmund want to win the Bundesliga this season, they will have to make sure that their defence is airtight. As Sir Alex Ferguson said, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles”.

Manuel Akanji had a poor game.