Borussia Dortmund clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the Champions League group stage, thanks to a late winner from substitute Donyell Malen.
In a game characterized by defensive grit and limited chances, Dortmund found the breakthrough they needed in the 85th minute, securing three important points.
With this win, Dortmund advances to fourth place in the table, while Sturm Graz remains at the bottom, still seeking their first victory.
Defensive Battle in the First Half
The first half saw Sturm Graz, under manager Christian Ilzer, set up a resolute defense aimed at stifling Dortmund’s attack.
Graz’s defensive discipline was evident from the outset, with players like captain Otar Kiteishvili making crucial blocks, including a notable goal-line clearance from Maximilian Beier’s attempt.
Dortmund, typically known for their aggressive attacking play, struggled to break through Graz’s backline, as half-chances fell to Julian Brandt and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens without yielding results.
Despite Dortmund’s high shot count and increased possession (68% compared to Graz’s 32%), their xG stood at just 0.76 by halftime, reflecting their inability to convert control into clear-cut opportunities.
Graz, on the other hand, managed only one notable attempt on target, ending the half with an xG of 0.08. The match remained goalless as both teams entered the break, with Dortmund’s attacking prowess surprisingly subdued.
Second Half: Dortmund’s Search for a Winner Intensifies
After halftime, Dortmund returned with renewed urgency. Led by Serhou Guirassy, who often dropped back to link up play, Dortmund intensified their pressing and began targeting Graz’s backline.
Graz continued their disciplined defense but struggled to maintain control as the hosts increased pressure. This culminated in a few half-chances, with Julian Brandt narrowly missing the target and Guirassy flashing shots across the goal, only to be denied by Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
Sturm Graz remained committed to their counter-attacking strategy, but each attempt was efficiently shut down by Dortmund’s backline, led by Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Graz’s best opportunity in the second half came from a cross by Jusuf Gazibegovic, which found Mika Biereth’s head, but the Arsenal youth graduate’s header went wide, letting Dortmund off the hook.
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Donyell Malen’s Late Heroics Seal the Win
With Sturm Graz proving difficult to break down, the opponents manager Nuri Sahin turned to his bench. In the 68th minute, he introduced Donyell Malen for Marcel Sabitzer, hoping to bring a fresh spark to his attack.
This tactical change proved decisive. In the 85th minute, Dortmund’s high pressing paid off when they forced Graz into a defensive error.
Guirassy quickly capitalized, gaining control of the ball and setting up Malen, who drove a powerful strike across goal, sending the ball past Scherpen and into the net.
Malen’s goal, arriving late in the game, broke the deadlock and sparked elation among the Westfalenstadion crowd.
With an xG of 1.68, Dortmund had finally justified their persistence, overcoming Graz’s stubborn defense to secure a critical win.
This victory marked Dortmund’s third win in four Champions League games, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Key Highlights and Player Performances
- Donyell Malen’s Impact Off the Bench: Malen’s powerful late goal emphasized his value to the team. Known for his pace and sharp finishing, he seized his opportunity, converting Dortmund’s pressing strategy into the game’s defining moment.
- Serhou Guirassy’s Hold-Up Play: Guirassy’s physicality and vision were instrumental, as he held off Graz defenders and set up Malen’s goal with a perfectly timed assist. His presence added depth to the club’s offense throughout the game.
- Kjell Scherpen’s Heroics for Graz: Scherpen was a standout for Graz, making several saves, including an impressive double-stop in the first half from Sabitzer and Beier. His commanding performance kept Graz in the game until the closing minutes.
- Graz’s Defensive Resilience: Despite conceding late, Graz showed excellent discipline, with players like Kiteishvili and Lavalee consistently denying Dortmund’s forwards. Their defensive structure proved challenging for the Bundesliga side to break down.
- Dortmund’s Effective High Press: Sahin’s decision to press Graz’s passing from the back ultimately created the chance for the winning goal. This high-intensity tactic allowed the team to capitalize on Graz’s mistakes and take control in the closing stages.
What’s Next for Borussia Dortmund and Sturm Graz?
Dortmund’s 1-0 win lifts them to fourth place in the Champions League standings, keeping their hopes for advancing alive. Next up, they face an away fixture, where they’ll look to build on this victory and continue their steady form.
The return of key players like Karim Adeyemi and Gio Reyna from injury could further strengthen Dortmund’s attacking options, providing Sahin with more depth as they approach critical matches in both European and domestic competitions.
For Sturm Graz, this defeat keeps them rooted to the bottom of the table. Their quest for a Champions League victory continues, and they’ll need to improve their offensive output.
Graz’s disciplined defense has been their standout feature, but scoring remains an issue, with their xG totaling only 0.57 in this game. Manager Christian Ilzer will focus on improving his team’s efficiency in the final third as they prepare for their next European test.
