Following the CL exhibition, the perplexed Borussia Dortmund is confronting challenges in the league's routine activities.
Without Karim Adeyemi's fiery ambition and goal-scoring ideas, Borussia Dortmund struggles to clinch away victories in the Bundesliga this season. The thrilling streak in the Champions League against Union Berlin seems like a distant memory now.
The BVB players returned to their supporters with dejected faces - disheartened, lackluster, and a touch puzzled: The Borussia entertainer has taken another tumble, barely a week following its most notable achievement of the season to date. The goal spree in the Champions League was swiftly followed by a routine loss in the Bundesliga.
As Borussia's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel put it after the 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin - merely four days after the electrifying 7-1 triumph against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League, "It's hard to put into words." "It's evidently another setback," the keeper added on Sky, but insisted, "We didn't play a poor game; the first half was crucial." While Nuri Sahin's BVB continues to chase their first away victory in the Bundesliga without the Champions League sensation Karim Adeyemi, they were hindered by his absence.
Goalscorers for the Berlin side included Kevin Vogt (penalty, 26th minute) and Yorbe Vertessen (45th minute), both maintaining their unbeaten record at home this season. For BVB, Julian Ryerson (62nd minute) scored against his former club, but it was not enough. Over extended periods, Dortmund's offense, missing Adeyemi, appeared to lack impact. The young striker, who had dazzled with his infectious energy and three goals during his club's victory against Celtic, had picked up an injury during their tussle.
Schlotterbeck causes penalty
Prior to the match, Sahin described Union as an "unappealing opponent" and emphasized their formidable defensive capabilities. Alongside the injured Giovanni Reyna and Julien Duranville, further attacking options were limited. In place of Adeyemi, Maximilian Beier took to the field. Aljoscha Kemlein, Union's 20-year-old debutant, started in the line-up.
Borussia, eager to dominate the game at the outset, missed an opportunity early on when Yan Couto's cross sailed over the empty goalpost (3 minutes). However, Union refused to retreat, with Tom Rothe (8 minutes) narrowly missing the mark. The Berlin side continued to pressure Dortmund and unsettle them early on.
Following a period of Union's pressure, Dortmund had a chance to respond, but ultimately lacked the confidence to convert it. Couto (19 minutes) shot from a distance, and Rönnow saved comfortably. Moments later, Serhou Guirassy's attempt ended up swaying over the goal (22 minutes).
Union remained alert and was handsomely repaid for their persistence: After a swift counterattack, Nico Schlotterbeck fouled FC Union striker Benedict Hollerbach, which handed Vogt the opportunity to score from the spot. The noise levels reached new heights at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei as Union remained the more proactive team, threatening to extend their lead time and time again. Vertessen (45 minutes) eventually did just that, deservingly adding to the hosts' lead before the break. In the second half, Vertessen had a third shot on goal, but this time, Kobel was on hand to save the day (53 minutes). Dortmund pressed on relentlessly, but Ryerson's goal for his former side only managed to level the score (62 minutes). Union continued to threaten, but Dortmund held on for a fiercely contested draw.
Despite Borussia Dortmund's struggles in clinching away victories in the Football league this season, their problems were evident in their 2-1 loss against Union Berlin. Nuri Sahin's team was playing without the influence of Champions League sensation Karim Adeyemi, who had previously contributed significantly to their offensive efforts.
In the Football league, Borussia Dortmund's campaign has been marked by their inability to secure away victories, with Nuri Sahin's team still chasing their first win in this regard, a challenge exacerbated by the absence of Karim Adeyemi.
