“We need to play with intensity out of possession. Ideally, we can press high at times, but we also have to stay compact whilst simultaneously making sure that we have spells on the ball.” That was how Julian Schuster outlined the game plan when speaking to DAZN before kick-off. Shortly beforehand, and following VfB Stuttgart’s 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen, it was clear that even a point would be enough for BVB to secure Champions League qualification.

After eight minutes, however, the hosts showed that they were not interested in merely settling for a draw. A long ball from Ramy Bensebaini over the Freiburg backline was expertly controlled by Maximilian Beier, who slotted past Noah Atubolu to give Dortmund an early lead.

Compared to the 2-1 extra-time defeat away at VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal, the Freiburg coaching staff made seven changes to the starting XI. Florian Müller, Philipp Treu, Matthias Ginter, Jordy Makengo, Niklas Beste, Johan Manzambi and Yuito Suzuki dropped out, with Noah Atubolu, Bruno Ogbus, Christian Günter, Derry Scherhant and Lucas Höler coming in, while Chicco Höfler also made his first start of the season. Manzambi, Ginter, Makengo and Suzuki were not included in the matchday squad. “Some players have really emptied the tank, while others are carrying knocks,” said Schuster before the game. “We need players today who can go the full distance, not just 20 or 30 minutes.”

Guirassy makes it 2-0 early on

The affair marked BVB’s 1,000th home game in the Bundesliga, and Samuele Inacio was a player making his first start for the hosts. The 18-year-old Italian set up Julian Brandt in the right half-space after 14 minutes, and the latter’s cross found Serhou Guirassy, who had plenty of room in the box and finished first time through Atubolu’s legs to make it 2-0. At the other end, Scherhant came close to an immediate reply, but his effort on the turn after a physical battle with Nico Schlotterbeck drifted wide (15').

That proved to be the last real chance that Freiburg’s 2,400 travelling fans could enjoy for a while. Down the other end, Bensebaini headed in a Julian Ryerson corner from close range to make it 3-0 after 31 minutes. Four minutes later, Gregor Kobel produced an excellent save to deny Höfler, who had directed a Lienhart throw-in towards the near post from eight yards out. “There were moments in possession that were okay, but overall, there weren’t enough of them. More importantly, the way we defended wasn’t good enough, especially for the first two goals,” said Schuster after the match.

Kübler goal ruled out

Despite making no changes at half time, Freiburg returned after the break with clear intent. After 55 minutes, Kübler headed in a Vincenzo Grifo free-kick from close range to seemingly make it 3-1, only for the goal to be disallowed by referee Robin Braun following a brief VAR check for a tight offside from the defender. At the other end, Atubolu denied Inacio his first goal, saving from close range after a low cross from Beier.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 81,365 at Signal Iduna Park, the second half was much more even, although the visitors remained dangerous from set-pieces. Another long throw from Lienhart was flicked on by Matanović to Höler, whose effort went just wide of Kobel’s goal (66').

Tarnutzer makes his debut

The closing stages were relatively uneventful, but there were still two notable events for the Freiburg camp. Maximilian Philipp made his first appearance of the season, while Rouven Tarnutzer came on in the 84th minute to make his professional debut.

BVB substitute Fábio Silva added a fourth late on, finishing from close range after being set up by fellow substitute Daniel Svensson (87'). Cyriaque Irié had a chance to grab a consolation in stoppage time, but was unable to beat Kobel when through on goal (90+4').

“The way the team came out after the break at 3-0 down was encouraging,” said Schuster. “Now it’s important we draw a line under this week. We’ve got a big few weeks ahead, and there’s still plenty to play for in the league as well.” Freiburg’s next challenge is the first leg of a UEFA Europa League semi-final away at S.C. Braga on Thursday.

Photo: DeFodi Images