Gittens salvages Dortmund with a double-scoring spree, supporters voice dissent against team sponsor
In Borussia Dortmund's first Bundesliga match of the season, 20-year-old Jamie Gittens shone brightly, scoring two goals against Eintracht Frankfurt, securing Nuri Sahin's debut as head coach, despite a slow start by Dortmund. Outbursts emerged from the stands.
Before the match, Gittens exchanged pleasantries with referee Felix Zwayer and received a celebratory pat on the back from coach Nuri Sahin. The BVB's new head coach knew who to thank for the 2-0 (0-0) victory, with Gittens' substitute appearances leading the team to victory.
"We stayed composed, had a bit of luck, and Jamie had an outstanding individual play," noted new recruit Pascal Groß during the post-match interview on Sky. Grateful for his triumph, Gittens, who changed his name from Bynoe-Gittens to Gittens before the season start, shared his feelings: "The first game is significant. It's a thrilling sensation to score two goals in front of the world's best fans."
Gittens' goals (72' and 90'+3) were decisive for BVB, who emerged victorious despite often scoreless and aimless play, frequently committing unexplained errors. Future improvements will be crucial to achieve their ambitious goals.
Sahin and Zwayer in Limelight
Under clear skies and a 30-degree temperature, all eyes were on the new man on the sidelines. Compared to the 4-1 cup victory against Phoenix Lübeck, Sahin made only one positional change, with Donyell Malen replacing Gittens. Waldemar Anton and Pascal Groß also played in their first Bundesliga matches, representing Borussia Dortmund before the “Yellow Wall.”
In addition to Sahin, there was a special interest in Felix Zwayer, who had not officiated a Dortmund game since the 2-3 defeat against Bayern on December 4, 2021. Jude Bellingham had bluntly criticized the referee after the game, escalating tensions. Zwayer took a break, and following his return, the DFB decided not to assign him any more Dortmund games temporarily.
However, Zwayer was now officiating a Borussia match again, initially overshadowed by Dortmund's struggles to maintain possession and create opportunities.
Protest against Sponsor Rheinmetall
With few clear-cut chances emerging, Dorfmund's lack of ideas and simple mistakes provoked Nuri Sahin's frustrated gesturing on the sideline even during a drinks break.
Just before half-time, Zwayer was suddenly in focus: following Anton's header, fans demanded a penalty for a handball by Frankfurt's Fares Chaibi. However, the ball had actually hit Chaibi's head first.
Shortly before the break, protest banners against controversial sponsor Rheinmetall were displayed on the south stand. However, the focus quickly shifted back to the game itself – because Dortmund was now reinvigorated.
Julian Brandt's shot narrowly missed the target, while on the other end, Omar Marmoush's attempt was saved by Gregor Kobel. Maximilian Beier also made his debut for BVB, but Frankfurt had the best opportunity, only for Chaibi to miss from close range.
In a dramatic turn of events, Gittens responded with an incredible goal.
The upcoming Football league match of Borussia Dortmund will undeniably draw attention to new head coach Nuri Sahin, given his impressive debut in the Bundesliga. Furthermore, referee Felix Zwayer, who has a complex history with Borussia Dortmund, will also be under the spotlight during the game.
