Marco Reus scores to secure Dortmund three points against Gladbach

Matthew Marshall –

Borussia Dortmund v Gladbach – October 19, 2019 – SIGNAL IDUNA Park, Dortmund

Borussia Mönchengladbach had a great chance to take an early lead from a corner, but Roman Bürki saved Tony Jantschke’s close-range header. Dortmund’s front three of Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Thorgan Hazard began brightly with Hazard’s shot deflected for a corner.

Brandt tested Sommer with a fierce strike, but Dortmund were finding it hard to sustain pressure due to frequent turnovers. A László Bénes free-kick was flicked toward the back post by Tony Jantschke where Roman Bürki saved Stefan Lainer’s shot.

Reus saw his effort blocked by Jantschke before the visitors created another clear opportunity. Bénes released Breel Embolo, who was one-v-one with Bürki, the Swiss keeper doing just enough to clear the ball before collecting his international teammate.

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The action resumed at the opposite end as Sommer tipped Hummels’ header off the bar. Reus and Brandt combined to create a chance for Hazard, the Belgian putting the ball in the net thanks to a deflection, but VAR ruling Reus was marginally offside in the build-up.

Embolo intercepted a sloppy Manuel Akanji backpass, he then appeared to be taken out by Bürki, but referee Sascha Stegemann was not interested in awarding a free-kick. Reus saw another shot blocked on the stroke of half-time with neither team able to break the deadlock.

Brandt fired over from close range as Borussia Dortmund started the second half strong. The hosts were rewarded as they took the lead in the 58^th minute, Hazard releasing Reus, who poked it past Sommer in front of the Südtribüne.

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Thomas Delaney picked up the first booking of the match before Marco Rose made two substitutions, Breel Embolo and László Bénes, making way for Patrick Herrmann and Florian Neuhaus. Roman Bürki then picked up an injury and was replaced by Marwin Hitz.

Thuram set up Herrmann, who went close to scoring before Christoph Kramer flashed an effort wide. Lars Stindl came on for Oscar Wendt, Brandt putting the ball in the back of the net with another Dortmund goal ruled out for offside.

Zakaria fired into the side netting as Gladbach pushed hard for an equaliser. Neuhaus went close with a shot cleared off the line, but Favre milked the clock with two late substitutions as Dortmund held on for an important win.

Borussia Dortmund v Gladbach – Three Stars 

Borussia Dortmund v Gladbach – Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Signal Iduna Park on October 19, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Reus had extra responsibility due to the absence of Alcacer, Götze, and Sancho, and he stepped up with involvement in most of Dortmund’s attacks. Got onto the end of Hazard’s through ball to score the winner and continue his great goal scoring record against his former club.

Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund)

Saw an early effort ruled out for offside but was an important player in the win. Was a danger out wide, combining well with Reus and Brandt and providing the vital assist for Reus’ winning goal.

Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)

Still finding his feet in Dortmund as he adjusts to a new role and new teammates, but this was an encouraging performance. Thought he had made it 2-0, but Brandt nevertheless an important player in the win.

Borussia Dortmund vs Gladbach: Goals: 1-0 Marco Reus 58’

Borussia Dortmund vs Gladbach – Line-ups

Borussia Dortmund:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bürki (Hitz 71‘) – Akanji, Weigl, Hummels, Schulz – Witsel, Delaney – Hakimi, Reus, Hazard (Piszczek 95‘) – Brandt (Zagadou 91‘)

Borussia Mönchengladbach:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Sommer – Lainer, Elvedi, Jantschke, Wendt (Stindl 78’) – Kramer, Zakaria – Thuram Benes (Neuhaus 63’), Plea – Embolo (Herrmann 63’)