As the 25th of December gets closer and closer, so does the race for success in the Bundesliga as the Signal Iduna Park prepares to host Borussia Dortmund vs VfB Stuttgart. Ashley Adamson-Edwards takes you through the action as it happened.
Embed from Getty ImagesLucien Favre side currently sit in 5ht place whilst looking to mount a charge for second place. However, they’re currently on a bad run of of form at home, having not won their last three matches their. Without the fans present in the stadium, it looks as though BVB are hurt the most after losing six out of eight games Bundesliga home matches that have been played behind closed doors.
Whereas, newly promoted Stuttgart are showing the country just how badly they deserve to stay in the Bundesliga whilst currently being unbeaten away from home this season. Only Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have been able to match this impressive record.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund
After confirming their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage this week, Borussia Dortmund will be looking to turn their Bundesliga form around with a win here tonight.
However, BVB fans should be concerned about how lethal their attack will be this Saturday with Erling Haaland still out with injury along with Thorgan Hazard.
Starting Line-Up
Although the home side won’t have their ferocious Yellow Wall to support them this afternoon, they will have Roman Burki (1) in goal despite missing out on starting in their European clash mid-week.
To protect the one of two goalkeepers from Switzerland playing today, is a back line of Manuel Akanji (16), Mats Hummels (16) and Emre Can (23). Whilst Thomas Meunier is forced to the side-lines, Can will have to do this afternoon.
Favre has then lined up his Dortmund team with an exciting midfield in Raphael Guerreiro (13), Jude Bellingham (22), Axel Witsel (28) and Mateu Morey (2).
To attack the well organised visitors is Giovanni Reyna (13), Jadon Sancho (7) and Marco Reus (11) in striker.
VFB Stuttgart
Stuttgart come into this game having recently won away to Werder Bremen and will want to build on their push up the table. Although a European finish is unrealistic, if Matarazzo can pull a win out the bag tonight his side could move into 6th place.
Starting Line-Up
Gregor Kobel (1) will start between the sticks today for the visitors as a back three of Marc Oliver Kempf (4), Waldemar Anton (2), and Arsenal loanee Konstantinos Mavropanos (5) will look to protect the Swissman.
Whereas, Matarazzo will look to expose the lack of defensive experience in Dortmund’s wing-backs by flanking his defence with Borna Sosa (24) and Silas Wamangituka (14).
To keep the game moving and provide that additional defensive support, Stuttgart will also play with two central midfielders in Orel Mangala (23) and Wataru Endo (3).
Finally, as the away side look to build on their already impressive away form this season, their attack will look as followed: Tanguy Coulibaly (7), Philipp Foerster (20) and striker Mateo Klimowicz (31).
Kick-Off
0′ And we’re off here at the Signal Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund’s captain Marco Reus gets us underway.
With both teams having a huge chance to climb the Bundesliga, who do you think will come out on top?
2′ Mangala’s strike was fired wide from outside the box as the visitors pushed forward.
With Stuttgart already making efforts to establish themselves in todays clash, would an early goal be enough to guarantee them with a win here today?
3′ Burki is forced to ground as he makes a strong effort to parry away a Stuttgart shot. The Swabian Metropolis just keep on coming.
7′ Sosa comes so close to putting his side into the lead with a brilliantly struck free-kick.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs a number of contenders stepped up for the chance, Sosa’s technical ability was shown when his left foot swung the ball at Burki’s top-left corner. Unfortunately for Matarazzo’s side, the score remained level with the keeper pulling off a fine save.
10′ Fundu does well to skip past the Dortmund defence as he draws a foul for his team.
13′ Coulibaly wastes a massive chance for Stuttgart as his effort from close range is powered wide.
As Matarazzo’s side progressed down their right-flank, a perfect cross was eventually played into the Dortmund danger area where Coulibaly was waiting. However, the Frenchman wasn’t able to compose himself as the inside of his left-foot fired wide from such close distance.
17′ Bellingham’s goal is chalked off as Reus is caught in an offisde position.
With Favre’s youth working the ball through the opposition defence, the ball eventually found it’s way through to Reus who was waiting to cut the ball back to Bellingham. After a nice shimmy, Bellingham waited long enough to then squeeze the ball past Kobel.
19′ Brilliant work from Kobel as he rushes out of goal to squander Can’s one on one chance.
As the ex-Liverpool man charged through on goal thanks to some neat passing play from his side, Kobel made sure to close the distance between him and ball as soon as possible. It was then far too late for the German to take it around the keeper as Kobel produced a fine piece of goalkeeping.
21′ Bellingham’s first Bundesliga goal is yet to come as the young Englishman skies an effort into the empty stands.
The young talent has done well so far to move the ball around for Dortmund, with quick turns and patient play to progress forward.
22′ Mavropanos goes down as his leg is bent awkwardly whilst trying to regain possession for his side. Luckily for Matarazzo’s side, the Arsenal man isn’t done just yet for tonight.
25′ Penalty – VfB Stuttgart
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite ignoring Dortmund’s recent penalty shout at the other end, the referee was given an easy decision to make as Can was seen clashing into the back of Klimowicz.
Such a horrible challenge for Favre and his side, possibly an error that might not have occurred had Meunier been fit enough to play.
26′ GOAL – VfB Stuttgart 0 – 1
Embed from Getty ImagesThe away side go ahead as Wamangituka keeps his cool and scores from the spot.
It was a calm finish from the Congolease wing-back, sending Burki the wrong way and placing the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Are we approaching a third successive home game that Dortmund havn’t been able win or will Favre find a way to claw his way back into the game?
30′ Klimowicz smashes the ball over the bar from close range whilst trying to capitalise on Coulibaly’s rebounded effort.
As Coulibaly produced a dazzling run through the Dortmund defence, he eventually found enough space to allow his left-foot the chance it needed. However, the shot lacked placement as Burki was able to palm it away.
33′ Bellingham is tumbled over as Wamangituka recklessly bumps into him.
The recent singing from Birmingham City wasn’t too pleased after the incident but the young man got back up to show the persistence he has to his game at such a young age.
38′ Burki makes a great save to deny the visitors from doubling their lead.
Klimowicz refused to stay quiet whilst acting on another chance for Matarazzo’s side.
With Akanji found too central and Gurreiro far up the pitch, the striker took advanate of the space in-behind and screamed for his midfield to play him through on goal. Despite his efforts, Burki got down well to block the low-driven shot.
39′ GOAL – Borussia Dortmund 1 – 1
Reyna makes it look so easy as he flicks the ball past Kobel and into the back of Stuttgart’s net.
Dortmund make up for their earlier mistakes as Guerreiro played a remarkable ball over the top through to the young American. As Reyna took an excellent first touch, the ball was just waiting to be struck as his right foot was too quick for Mavropanos to react.
A stunning goal from the youth of Dortmund, an inch-perfect pass from their experience and Favre is broken out of jail once more.
43′ Couliably came so close to regaining the lead for Stuttgart but Burki was their to match the shot.
Although the number 7 has made another chance for the visitors, he wasn’t able to capitalise in front of goal once more.
46′ Half-time is called here in Dortmund as the two sides go into the dressing rooms on level terms.
As Favre grows ever more anxious to climb Dortmund into the Champions League positions, Matarazzo couldn’t be more impressed from his side after recording more shots than the quality packed Dortmund attack.
Half-Time
First Half Summary
It was Stuttgart that started so well here at the Sinal Iduna Park as Sosa nearly struck a free-kick into Dortmund’s net in the seventh minute. However, Burki produced one of many fine saves from this first period to deny the Croatian.
With the referee then ignoring the penalty shouts from Dortmund, just moments later he was quick to point to the other spot. Can was quick to prove exactly why has a better midfielder than defender whilst bringing down Klimowicz inside his own box. As Burki dived to his left, Wamangituka remained calm and shot to his left to give Stuttgart a one goal lead.
However, BVB were quickly redeemed as Guerreiro played a perfectly timed over the top pass to Reyna who found himself through on goal. With a Dennis Bergkamp esque touch, the young-man from the US poked a shot past Kobel and levelled the game. A stunning goal that showed Dortmund fans exactly why they should be so excited about their youth.
Stats So Far
| Shots on target | Total shots | Possession | Corners | Offsides | Fouls | |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2 | 5 | 57% | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Stuttgart FC | 5 | 8 | 43% | 2 | 1 | 7 |
Man Of The Match To Be?
The man of the match to be has to be Mateo Klimowicz.
From the very start of the match, the Stuttgart striker has been at the heart of their attack as the away side continued to create chances early on.
The Argentine then went onto win Stuttgart their penalty which enabled his side to go one goal ahead in the 27th minute.
Following on from this, the striker was then found penetrating the Dortmund defence once more as he broke though on goal over on the right wing. Although his shot was eventually well saved by Burki, this incident emphasises just how much of a problem he’s been fro Favre this afternoon.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Klimowicz can keep up the effort he’s been putting into the first half, its certain that he’ll be walking away with the man of the match award.
Honourable Mentions
Borna Sosa – showed some brilliant technical ability and continued to cause Dortmund problems with that wonder of a left foot he has.
Tanguy Coulibaly – his footwork has been a key problem for the Dortmund defence, allowing himself the space to get numerous shots away and seriously trouble Burki.
Second Half
46′ Coulibaly gets the second-half kicked off for Matarazzo’s side as we gear up for another action-packed Bundesliga half.
What do you think the final outcome will be as we start the second period of this afternoons clash?
50′ Can’s ball down the line for Reyna is timed well but Mavropanos shows the ball out of play.
With only eight appearances for Arsenal, the young central defender from Greece has climatized well to the Bundesliga, perhaps he’s exaclty what Arteta needs over in North London.
52′ GOAL – VfB Stuttgart 1 – 2
Embed from Getty ImagesWamangituka has lashed the ball past Burki to put Stuttgart into the lead once more.
The chance came from Coulibaly as his excellent foot-work enabled him to put a cross into the attacking wing-back. Although the ball in wasn’t the best, a quick touch to control the ball with his thigh allowed Wamangituka the time and space to volley away a 2-1 lead.
Dortmund can play as well as they want in Europe, but they will continue to struggle in the Bundesliga if their defence isn’t up to the task.
58′ As the likes of Reus, Reyna and Sancho struggle to link up, BVB fans have got to be asking why Favre hasn’t tried to switch the side up by now.
Who do you think Favre should bring on to try and save Dortmund’s day?
59′ Substituion – Borussia Dortmund
With his first substitution of the match, Favre has tried to add more to Dortmund’s attacking threat which the introduction of exciting youngster Reiner Jesus (20).
60′ GOAL – VfB Stuttgart 1 – 3
Embed from Getty ImagesStuttgart have pulled apart the Dortmund defence once more as Foerster comes from deep to score shoot past Burki.
It was all about Sosa’s perfect pass for this goal as Foerster was able to take the ball into his stride and nip between Hummels and Akanji. Once through on goal, it only required a simple finish from the midfielder as the ball found itself in the bottom right corner.
Burki had no chance.
62′ Coulibaly clashes a chance against the post to deny the away side their fourth goal of the match, the post still rattles moments on.
Since their third goal, Stuttgart have been hungry for more as they continue to rip apart Favre’s side.
63′ GOAL – VfB Stuttgart 1 – 4
Hummels is left flat-footed as Coulibaly curls a shot just inside the far post, Burki left stunned.
It all came from Bellingham playing an awful pass down to Sancho which Wamangituka pounced on. As the Congolese wing-back raced down the right flank, he then played through Coulibaly who was in mountains of space on the wing.
It was then all about the Frenchman vs the German. With Coulibaly dazzling the aging legs of Hummels, it was a quick step to the left that caught the former Bundesliga champion off balance. Allowing the Frenchman to leave Favre shaking his dead as the ball was placed into the the back of Dortmund’s goal.
If anyone is going to challenge Bayern for the title this season, it certainly won’t be Dortmund. Dreadful defending.
64′ Substitution – Borussia Dortmund
67′ Substitution – VfB Stuttgart
After a phenomenal performance, Coulibaly and Wamangituka is brought off the field to make way for Nico Gonzalez and Roberto Massimo.
71′ Dortmund try and try again but the brilliant organisation of Stuttgart’s defence continues to keep them at bay.
Despite the array of talent and exciting names on the pitch for Dortmund, their attack has been nothing short of dreadful today as yet another pass is directed off the pitch.
77′ Substitution – VfB Stuttgart
After a great goal from the midfielder earlier on in the second half, Foerster is taken off the field as Matarazzo tries to replenish his team.
Just prior to the replacement, Reyna protests in anger as the referee claims to have witnessed him make a foul. However, most of his frustration probably came from the fact that Dortmund simply can’t break down the newly promoted opposition.
78′ The referee shakes his hand at Gonzalez’ screams for a penalty shout.
Whilst showing great determination to break away from Hummels, it was the Argentine forward that also showed terrific pace to break away and move himself in-front of goal. Unfortunately, he’s left shouting from the ground as Hummels might have brought him down.
79′ Gonzalez fires a low driven shot wide from outside the area.
As Stuttgart countered the attacking press of Dortmund, Gonzalez found himself racing down the centre of the pitch. With teammates waiting for a pass on either flank, the 22-year-old opted to go alone but dragged his shot wide.
80′ Kobel pulls off a fine save to deny Dortmund finding a way back into this game.
As Dortmund reacted well to Stuttgart’s counter-attack, the ball was eventually put on a plate for Sancho who tried his best to power a shot low and hard into the bottom left-corner.
Had it not been for Kobel’s immaculate reactions, the young Englishman would have given Favre something to hope for.
84′ Nico Schulz’ effort is blazed over the bar as Dortmund continue to try and break away at the visitors defence.
85′ Substitution – Dortmund
Coming on for Dortmund: Youssoufa Moukoko (18), Dan-Axel Zagadou (5) and Julian Brandt (19).
Leaving the field: Rapheal Guerreiro (13), Manuel Akanji (16) and Jadon Sancho (7).
87′ Dortmund are denied their second goal of the match as Moukoko is caught in an offside position during Dortmund’s build-up.
It looked as though Reyna gave his side something to fight for as he seemingly scored his second of the match. However, the officiating team was quick to act as the flag went up to scratch off the chance.
88′ Substitution – VfB Stuttgart
Coming on for the visitors: Darko Churlinov (19) and Pascal Stenzel (15).
Leaving the field: Mateo Klimowicz (31) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (5).
90′ As the game approaches its final moments, it appears that Dortmund are desperate to show that they’ve given everything to this game. But in actual fact, their attack hasn’t showed nearly enough ambition.
91′ GOAL – VfB Stuttgart 1 – 5
Embed from Getty ImagesGonzalez finally gets what he deserves as he puts Stuttgart four goals ahead.
With so many Dortmund players up the pitch, it was so easy for the away side to pick their passes and play Gonzalez through on goal. As the Argentine was closing in on Burki, he finally took advantage of a chance with his left foot passing the ball into the bottom-left corner.
It really was a tremendous piece of managing from Matarazzo to bring on Ganzalez. Throughout this game he has burst away from the Dortmund defence time and time again. Finally, after failing to put away numerous chances, the fastest player in the game (producing a sprint of 35.22km/h) has included himself in the history books for Stuttgart.
Embed from Getty ImagesNicolas Gonzalez. The nuisance that Borussia Dortmund really didn’t need.
Is the title race already over for Borussia Dortmund?
93′ Moukoko’s effort is glanced into the hands of Kobel as yet another one of Favre’s men wastes their chance.
94′ Full-time has been called here at the Signal Iduna Park as it ends Borussia Dortmund 1 – 5 Stuttgart. Favre is shocked, Matarazzo is ecstatic and the Bundesliga produces another astonishing result.
Full-Time
Matarazzo’s Stuttgart have made history in Berlin today with a spectacular 5-1 win to push themselves into sixth place.
Although at half time it looked as though the final score could fall to either team, Wamangituka only waited eight minutes to put the visitors back into the lead with a volley from close range.
Juts another seven minutes later, Sosa displayed his technical class once more with a fine pass that allowed Foerster to take the ball into his stride and between the Dortmund defence. Once free, he placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to stun BVB fans.
Justice was then shown to Coulibaly as he darted down the right-wing, proved once more that Hummels isn’t up to the task of the Bundesliga anymore and curled a shot just inside the Dortmund far post. A remarkable goal.
Following a disallowed goal for Reyna, Gonzalez finally capitalized on a chance with a bursting sprint up the pitch which ended in a calm finish.
Embed from Getty ImagesFavre can shake his head as much as he wants but his hopes for a Bundesliga title may have been restored to ashes already.
The question has to be asked, without the presence of The Yellow Wall at the Signal Iduna Park are Borussia Dortmund the same team they once were?
Borussia Dortmund 1 – 5 VfB Stuttgart.
Don’t forget to give my Socials a follow where I’ll be posting more Bundesliga content soon:
For more sport content from Overtime click here, and for more football content click here.
If you want to have a read of any other of my Bundesliga live-blogs then click the buttons below:
