Borussia Dortmund were at their ruthless best as they hit SEVEN goals past a hapless Nuremberg side at the Westfalenstadion.
Jacob Bruun Larsen, Marco Reus (x2), Achraf Hakimi, Manuel Akanji, Jadon Sancho and Julian Weigl all scoted for Borussia Dortmund as they ran riot against the newly promoted Nuremberg side. It was a performance of sheer dominance by Lucien Favre’s men, who were in control for the entire duration of the 90 minutes. The Black and Yellows played some of their best football in months and scored some lovely goals in front of their 75,000+ supporters, who were in fine voice.
After a few frustrating performances in recent games, it was a perfect response by Borussia Dortmund, who moved the ball quickly and with great intent. Dortmund were direct, dominant and ruthless. The win helps them move up to second place in the Bundesliga table, just two points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Here are the player ratings for the Borussia Dortmund players from the game.
Roman Burki (6/10)
Burki was a spectator for large parts of the game as Borussia Dortmund dominated from the first whistle to the last, but looked secure whenever he was tested.
Achraf Hakimi (9/10)
Hakimi marked his impressive debut with a brilliantly taken goal from the edge of the box. His pace and ability to beat defenders made him a constant threat going forward. The Moroccan international linked up very well with Christian Pulisic down the right wing and looked strong defensively. Favre needs to start him more often.
Manuel Akanji (8/10)
Akanji did not have much to do in defense but dealt with everything Nuremberg threw at Borussia Dortmund quite comfortably. Was given the armband when Marco Reus was subbed off and he celebrated by scoring his first Borussia Dortmund goal. It was a well taken goal too as Akanji won the ball in the box Nuremberg before slotting it into the bottom corner.
Dan Axel Zagadou (7/10)
Zagadou was composed at all times and made a game high seven clearances and three interceptions. He was also confident in possession and played the ball forward with great confidence and made sure that Diallo’s absence wasn’t felt by Borussia Dortmund.
Marcel Schmelzer (6/10)
Nuremberg’s lack of pressing allowed Schmelzer to get forward more often without worrying about any counter attacks. Once again, he was helped out by his teammates whenever Nuremberg did threaten.
Axel Witsel (6/10)
Nuremberg rarely threatened Borussia Dortmund, but every time they they came close to the half-way line, Axel Witsel’s imposing presence was there to nip their attacks in the bud. Was replaced by Julian Weigl at the hour mark.
Thomas Delaney (8/10)
Delaney dominated the midfield for Borussia Dortmund and did not allow any space for Nuremberg to counter through. Not only was he a rock defensively, but he was also involved in Dortmund’s build up play. He showed his great passing range and got the assist for Jadon Sancho’s goal with a sublime long ball. By far, Thomas Delaney’s best game in a Borussia Dortmund shirt.
Christian Pulisic (8/10)
Pulisic was a menace on the right wing and caused problems every time he got on the ball. His assist for Bruun Larsen’s opener was a thing of beauty as he beat a couple of defenders before finding the Dane with a chipped defense splitting pass. He looked threatening throughout the game and came close to scoring just before Akanji’s goal.
Marco Reus (9/10)
Reus looked far more lively than he has in recent weeks. He scored Borussia Dortmund’s second goal with a deflected shot from the edge of the area in the first half. He then led a devastating counter attack and found Achraf Hakimi, who made it 3-0. The Dortmund captain then got his 100th goal for the Black and Yellows after a lovely 1-2 with Jacob Bruun Larsen. Reus was replaced by Shinji Kagawa soon after.
Jacob Bruun Larsen (8/10)
Gave Borussia Dortmund the early lead with a lovely chipped finish from an improbable angle after getting on the end of Christian Pulisic’s dinked pass. He then assisted Marco Reus’ second goal before being replaced by Jadon Sancho. A confident performance by the young Dane, who looked threatening throughout the game.
Maximilian Philipp (6/10)
Philipp may not have gotten on the scoresheet but he was constantly getting involved in the build-up play, unlike in the previous games. He set up Marco Reus for his first goal with a fine touch.
Substitutes
Shinji Kagawa (6/10)
Kagawa looked threatening after coming on and his through balls caused Nuremberg a lot of problems.
Julian Weigl (7/10)
He looked assured in midfield after replacing Axel Witsel and scored Borussia Dortmund’s seventh goal, albeit with a deflected strike.
Jadon Sancho (8/10)
Once again, Jadon Sancho came off the bench to make a devastating impact on the game. Sancho caused havoc, running at the tired Nuremberg defenders and got a goal and an assist in a three minute salvo.