After weeks of no football action across the globe, the German Bundesliga became the first top-flight league to resume.
Borussia Dortmund played host to Schalke 04 in the ‘Rivierderby’ on Saturday as Matchday 26 got underway.
DORTMUND’S THREE-MAN DEFENCE
Piszczek looks to have adapted so fast to his new role in the three-back and was once again impressive against Schalke giving the opposition’s forwards little spaces.
Akanji, who came in for the injured Zagadou had little to do as well, carrying out his normal play and quite good anytime bringing out the ball from the back.
SOLID MIDFIELD CHOICE
The midfield department was the key headache for the Black and Yellow team heading into the derby, with both Axel Witsel and Emre Can all missing through injury.
Halbzeit. Hochverdiente 2:0-Führung des #BVB. Von #S04 kam nach guten 5 Minuten zum Start wenig bis gar nichts. Brandt, Delaney und Dahoud machen das aber im Zentrum mit ihrer Positionierung auch sehr gut mit und gegen den Ball. #BVBS04
— Sebastian Weßling (@fluestertweets) May 16, 2020
Thomas Delaney and Mahmoud Dahoud were as good and comfortable as the performance the injured duo would give you on their best day, though the former had little to do on Saturday.
Achraf Hakimi and Raphael Guerreiro once again provided their attacking qualities from the wing-back roles with the Portuguese scoring on two occasions to help the club cruise to victory.
Achraf Hakimi’s first half vs. Schalke by numbers:
100% successful take-ons
100% tackles won
90% pass accuracy
5 ball recoveries
2 shotsA threat throughout. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/k5Yl7NYV1o
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 16, 2020
Nico Schulz will have a lot of work to do to get back into the team with Guerreiro on a great run of form.
QUICKFIRE ATTACKING PLAY
All three players were involved in the four goals; Hazard and Haaland scoring one and providing one assist each while Brandt assisted the goals of Guerreiro and the Belgium international.
With Reus and Sancho yet to come into the team, Hazard and Brandt can be a good back-up option for Favre and can turn to then any day he decides to go with his occasional rotation.
