Borussia Dortmund is striving for victory in the inaugural match, supporters express discontent with tanks
In the initial match of the Bundesliga season for Borussia Dortmund, the 20-year-old Jamie Gittens, who now goes by the name Jamie, shines, netting two goals. This gives new coach Nuri Sahin his debut win, despite Dortmund starting off sluggishly. There are demonstrations from the spectators.
Jamie's impressive double strike (72' and 90'+3) topped off Dortmund's 2-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, extending their streak of opening day triumphs to ten consecutive years. Despite the win, the team raised several questions with their subpar performance. Dortmund had difficulties coming up with strategies and were careless, with unjustified errors sneaking into their play. Improved showings will be necessary to achieve their ambitious objectives.
Assessing the new coach and referee
With temperatures at 30°C and clear skies, the limelight was on Nuri Sahin, the new manager in charge. In comparison to the 4-1 cup victory against Phoenix Lübeck, Sahin made just one substitution, replacing Gittens with Donyell Malen. Viennese Waldemar Anton and Pascal Groß also demonstrated their skills from the get-go.
Felix Zwayer, the referee, was under the microscope as well, having returned for the first time since the 2-3 defeat to Bayern in December 2021. Post-match, BVB stalwart Jude Bellingham had voiced criticisms towards Zwayer, stoking tension. Thus, Zwayer took a break, and the DFB did not assign him to officiate Dortmund games temporarily.
Zwayer was not the main attraction, as Frankfurt pressed aggressively early, making it challenging for Dortmund to create scoring opportunities.
Opposition to the Rheinmetall sponsorship
With opportunities scarce, Sahin remained agitated on the sidelines, constantly gesturing and offering guidance to his team. Even after a water break, Dortmund's lumbering play persisted. They repeatedly made basic blunders and appeared timid.
Just before the break, attention shifted to Zwayer. After an Anton header, Dortmund supporters petitioned for a penalty due to a handball against Fares Chaibi. However, the initial contact was made with Chaibi's head.
Post-halftime, spectators on the south stand displayed signs opposing the questionable partnership with Rheinmetall. The contest then resumed, with Julian Brandt's attempt coming near the target (49') and Omar Marmoush's attempt saved by Gregor Kobel (57').
Maximilian Beier made his home debut in a Borussia Dortmund jersey. The best chance fell to Frankfurt, but Chaibi ultimately missed from close range. Instead, the stage was set for Jamie to claim victory with a stunning curling shot.
In the second half of the game, Borussia Dortmund and Jamie Gittens, now known as Jamie, faced opposition from the south stand due to their partnership with Rheinmetall. Despite the dissent, Jamie went on to score the winning goal with a stunning curling shot, securing Dortmund's 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
New coach Nuri Sahin decided to replace Jamie with Donyell Malen during the match, despite Jamie's impressive performance in the initial Bundesliga game of the season, where he netted two goals against Eintracht Frankfurt.
