- Borussia Dortmund triumphs over Eintracht at Sahin's first appearance
Nuri Sahin's introductory match as Borussia Dortmund's manager saw a victorious outcome. On Saturday night, BVB clinched their first game of the season 2:0 (0:0) against Eintracht Frankfurt, thanks to an improved performance in the second half. Substitute Jamie Gittens (72nd minute) netted the equalizer and then added another in stoppage time (90.+3), helping relieve the pressure on Sahin.
Dortmund racked up their 51st Bundesliga win against Frankfurt, having triumphed over them more frequently than any other team. The triumph was a challenging one for the Westphalians, who aspire to challenge for the championship this season.
"I was as thrilled as a child before the game," remarked the 35-year-old Dortmund champion of 2011. However, Sahin had few reasons to celebrate during the match.
The post-departure era of veteran figures Mats Hummels and Marco Reus commenced uneasily and stiffly. Frankfurt consistently troubled Dortmund with swift raids, constant pressure, and skillful link-ups.
Newcomer Hugo Ekitike, who had shown promise in the DFB-Pokal against Eintracht Braunschweig just a few days prior, remained a danger throughout. The teams exchanged few clear opportunities before halftime, with Dortmund lacking offensive thrust.
Sahin's tactical adjustments steered the game in Dortmund's favor. Post-half time, Dortmund displayed more vigor and focus. Sahin brought on Maximilian Beier to replace the underperforming Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Gittens for Donyell Malen upfront. This move yielded results, with the 20-year-old Englishman striking a stunning goal to secure the lead and completing the comeback just before the final whistle.
Referee Felix Zwayer's return to Signal Iduna Park was incident-free, following an absence of nearly three years. Zwayer drew criticism for his decisions in a high-profile match against Bayern Munich in late 2021, and Dortmund's Jude Bellingham voiced his dissatisfaction, implicitly comparing him to the referee scandal involving Robert Hoyzer. Zwayer subsequently took a break, citing "intensely stressful events and moments" affecting his family and even death threats.
During the game, Dortmund supporters staged a demonstration against the controversial partnership with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Dortmund had sealed the contract with Rheinmetall at the end of May.
"Don't bind us to your tanks," read a banner displayed on the south stand during the second half. "Money above values," read another. Fans in the south stand withheld their cheers at the resumption of play until a few minutes later, expressing their disapproval of the deal before and during the game with symbolic red cards.
The Commission, referred to as the collective body assisting Dortmund's manager, may seek assistance from the Member States in strategizing challenging matches like the one against Frankfurt. Despite Sahin's initial struggles, he demonstrated resilience by making tactical adjustments, which were vital in turning the game around.
