Borussia Dortmund suffered a stunning 5-1 defeat at the hands of Stuttgart in a Bundesliga clash that exposed the frailties of Nuri Şahin’s side. The match, held at Stuttgart’s Neckarstadion, highlighted not only Dortmund’s defensive issues but also the tactical brilliance of Stuttgart’s young manager, Sebastian Hoeneß. The result was not just a defeat for Dortmund—it was an embarrassment, as they were outplayed by a Stuttgart side that looked quicker, more organized, and tactically superior.
A Painful Return for Dortmund’s New Signings
Dortmund entered the match with high expectations, having spent over €40 million in the summer to sign Stuttgart’s former top scorer Serhou Guirassy and defensive stalwart Waldemar Anton. Both players had been pivotal in Stuttgart’s rise last season, which saw them finish second in the Bundesliga, ahead of Bayern Munich. However, their new club Dortmund was handed a harsh reality check as Stuttgart dismantled them with ease.
From the very start, Dortmund struggled to cope with Stuttgart’s pressing and quick transitions. The game’s early moments foreshadowed what was to come, as Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović combined to wreak havoc on Dortmund’s defense. By the 20th minute, Stuttgart was already 2-0 up, thanks to goals from Undav and Demirović, and Dortmund’s defense—despite being reinforced by Anton—looked shaky and disorganized.
Undav and Demirović Shine in Stuttgart’s Attack
Stuttgart’s striking partnership of Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović was a nightmare for BVB’s defenders. Undav, who was signed from Brighton for around €26 million, opened the scoring with a well-placed shot after a brilliant assist from Maximilian Mittelstädt. Moments later, Demirović, who arrived from Augsburg for a reported €20 million, added the second goal, showcasing his ability to finish clinically in high-pressure situations.
Their dynamic partnership was the focal point of Stuttgart’s attack, as they continually pressed Dortmund’s backline, forcing mistakes and capitalizing on gaps in the defense. While Dortmund’s high-profile signings struggled to make an impact, Stuttgart’s relatively new strike force proved their worth, further highlighting the home team’s impressive recruitment and tactical setup.
Stuttgart’s Tactical Brilliance and Hoeneß’s Bold Decisions
The real hero of the night was Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß, whose tactical approach neutralized BVB’s game plan. Hoeneß has emerged as one of the brightest young managers in European football, and his tactical flexibility was on full display in this match. Initially starting with a traditional four-man defense, Hoeneß made a bold decision to shift to a three-man backline after the third goal, pulling off full-backs and adding more attacking players.
⚪️ – #VfB | #VfBBVB 5-1 pic.twitter.com/AWCLU1VWNq
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) September 22, 2024
This switch allowed Stuttgart to control the game even more effectively, as they dropped deeper and waited for the right moments to counter-attack. The tactical change also gave Stuttgart the opportunity to expose Dortmund’s weaknesses, particularly in their defensive transitions. Enzo Millot, who scored Stuttgart’s third goal, was key to this tactical shift. His quick runs and dribbles through Dortmund’s defense left them exposed, and his creativity in setting up two additional goals further demonstrated Hoeneß’s tactical genius.
Enzo Millot Dazzles with a Brilliant Display
Enzo Millot was Stuttgart’s standout performer, contributing both offensively and defensively. Millot’s goal in the 41st minute was a piece of individual brilliance, as he danced through Bvb’s defense with ease before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. But his influence didn’t stop there. Millot went on to assist both the fourth and fifth goals, demonstrating his vision and ability to exploit Dortmund’s defensive weaknesses.
Millot’s performance highlighted just how vulnerable Dortmund’s backline was, despite the presence of Waldemar Anton, who was supposed to bring stability to the defense. Instead, Anton struggled to keep up with Millot’s movement and creative play, leaving Dortmund’s defense in disarray.
Dortmund’s Tactical Failure Under Nuri Şahin
While Stuttgart thrived under Hoeneß’s leadership, Dortmund’s coach Nuri Şahin had a night to forget. The tactical decisions made by Şahin were questionable, and his inability to adjust during the match left Bvb exposed. Despite starting the season well, Şahin’s game plan for this match was ineffective, and his decision to maintain a high line against Stuttgart’s counter-attacking threat backfired spectacularly.
Dortmund’s defense, already shaky, crumbled further as Şahin failed to make adjustments after Stuttgart’s early goals. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance from players like Marco Reus and Serhou Guirassy failed to materialize, and their midfield, led by Julian Brandt, was overrun by Stuttgart’s dynamic pressing and quick passing.
Stuttgart’s European Aspirations Look Real
Stuttgart’s victory over Dortmund not only highlighted their tactical superiority but also positioned them as genuine contenders in both the Bundesliga and European competitions. Despite losing key players in the summer, Stuttgart has managed to rebuild effectively under Hoeneß, and their performances, including a strong showing against Real Madrid in the Champions League, have made them a team to watch this season.
Their mix of young talent and experienced players, combined with Hoeneß’s tactical acumen, has created a well-balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. Stuttgart’s ability to score goals from different areas of the pitch—whether through their forwards, midfielders, or substitutes—has given them a versatile attacking threat that few teams can match.
Dortmund’s Season in Jeopardy?
For Borussia Dortmund, the 5-1 defeat raises serious questions about their title credentials this season. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, this loss exposed deep-seated problems in their defense and overall team structure. Nuri Şahin will need to make significant adjustments to get his team back on track, especially as they look to compete for both domestic and European honors.
The heavy defeat to Stuttgart could serve as a wake-up call for Dortmund’s leadership, who invested heavily in the summer but have yet to see the returns on their spending. With tough fixtures ahead, Şahin’s ability to recover from this setback will be crucial in determining Dortmund’s success this season.
Conclusion: A Tactical Masterclass by Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund was more than just a routine win—it was a tactical masterclass from Sebastian Hoeneß. His bold decisions and Stuttgart’s dominant display exposed Dortmund’s weaknesses, leaving Nuri Şahin’s side with plenty to think about. As Stuttgart continues to rise, Dortmund must find a way to recover from this heavy defeat, or risk falling further behind in the Bundesliga title race.
