Borussia Dortmund maintained their formidable Champions League home record with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz, thanks to Donyell Malen’s dramatic 85th-minute winner. The win extended Dortmund’s unbeaten streak at the Westfalenstadion in Champions League play to 13 matches, a club record that underlines their strength on home turf. Despite struggling to find the net for much of the game, Nuri Sahin’s side secured their third victory in four Champions League games this season, moving up to fourth in the new 36-team league phase.
The latest triumph not only showcased Dortmund’s resilience but also continued Sahin’s impressive record at home, where he has won each of his first seven home matches as Dortmund’s coach across all competitions. This streak reflects Sahin’s influence and Dortmund’s ability to rally at home, a trait that has been a cornerstone of their Champions League success this season.
First Half: Dortmund Dominates but Fails to Break Through
Borussia Dortmund entered the match with confidence, aware that a win would keep them in strong contention for the Champions League knockout stage. From the outset, they displayed dominance, dictating the tempo and keeping Sturm Graz on the back foot. The first half saw Dortmund register 13 shots, their highest tally in the first 45 minutes of a Champions League game without scoring since Opta began collecting such data in 2003-04.
Marcel Sabitzer, Maximilian Beier, and Serhou Guirassy were particularly active in front of goal, each coming close to opening the scoring. Sabitzer’s shot was narrowly saved, while Beier’s strike went just wide of the target. Guirassy, who has been one of Dortmund’s top performers this season, also had a promising opportunity but was thwarted by a resilient Sturm Graz defense. Despite their efforts, Dortmund went into halftime without a goal, knowing they needed to convert their dominance into points in the second half.
Second Half: Sturm Graz Shows Threat on the Counter
After the break, Sturm Graz emerged with renewed determination, creating their best chances on the counterattack. Jusuf Gazibegovic came close to breaking the deadlock with a well-placed curling shot that narrowly missed the target. Sturm’s Mika Biereth also threatened with a header from close range, giving Dortmund a scare and reminding them of the importance of staying vigilant defensively.
The visitors’ brief resurgence tested Dortmund’s resolve, as they looked to find a way through a well-organized Sturm defense. Despite these challenges, Dortmund continued to push forward, determined to secure the win and extend their unbeaten Champions League home record.
Donyell Malen’s Late Heroics
As the clock ticked down, Dortmund looked poised for a frustrating draw. But in the 85th minute, Donyell Malen capitalized on a critical error from Emanuel Aiwu, who misplaced a pass that allowed Guirassy to pounce. Guirassy quickly played Malen through, and the Dutch forward made no mistake, sending the ball past Kjell Scherpen with a powerful shot that ignited the Westfalenstadion crowd.
Malen’s goal, timed at 84:56, marked Dortmund’s latest game-winning strike in a Champions League match since Kevin Grosskreutz scored against Marseille in December 2013. The goal not only underscored Malen’s importance to the team but also highlighted Dortmund’s ability to find crucial goals in high-stakes moments. For Malen, the goal was a testament to his tenacity and focus, as he seized the opportunity and delivered when his team needed it most.
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Nuri Sahin’s Home Record: A Key to Dortmund’s Success
Since taking over as head coach, Nuri Sahin has made an immediate impact, especially in home games. He became the first Dortmund manager in Bundesliga history to win each of his first seven home matches across all competitions, a feat that has cemented his reputation as a tactical mastermind at the Westfalenstadion. Under Sahin, Dortmund has embraced a style of play that emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions, allowing them to control games and put pressure on their opponents from the first whistle.
The win over Sturm Graz extended Dortmund’s Champions League home unbeaten streak to 13 games, with nine wins and four draws. This remarkable run underscores the Westfalenstadion’s status as a fortress for Dortmund, where the passionate home crowd plays a crucial role in energizing the players. Sahin’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his squad have been central to Dortmund’s strong performance at home, and the results are a reflection of the team’s confidence when playing on familiar ground.
Champions League Group Standings and What’s Next
With this victory, Borussia Dortmund now has three wins from four Champions League matches, placing them in a solid position in the league phase of the competition. The new 36-team format has introduced fresh challenges, but Dortmund’s consistency at home has been a major advantage. As they prepare for their next match, Dortmund’s focus will be on securing a top position to advance comfortably to the knockout stages.
Eye-catching results #UCL pic.twitter.com/MIhufMPc9S
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 5, 2024
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial, as Dortmund looks to carry their momentum forward and avoid any slips in form. Maintaining their unbeaten home record will be essential as the team seeks to navigate the competitive landscape of the Champions League group phase.
Donyell Malen’s Growing Influence
Donyell Malen’s late winner was a fitting reward for his efforts throughout the match. The Dutch international has been in fine form this season, and his goal against Sturm Graz reflects his knack for stepping up in crucial moments. Malen’s speed, dribbling, and finishing abilities have made him a key asset for Dortmund, and his performance on Tuesday highlighted his growing role within the team.
Malen’s decisive goal extended Dortmund’s Champions League home record and reinforced his status as one of the club’s top contributors. For Dortmund, having a reliable scorer like Malen who can deliver in high-pressure situations is invaluable, especially as they look to make a deep run in the Champions League.
Dortmund’s Fortress at the Westfalenstadion
Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz is a testament to their resilience, home-field advantage, and the tactical acumen of coach Nuri Sahin. The win extended their Champions League home unbeaten streak to 13 matches, underscoring the strength of the Westfalenstadion as a fortress where Dortmund thrives. Donyell Malen’s late goal served as a reminder of Dortmund’s tenacity, as they found a way to win even in a game that looked destined for a draw.
As Dortmund continues their Champions League journey, they remain focused on securing their spot in the knockout stages. The victory over Sturm Graz keeps them well-positioned in the league phase, and with Sahin’s home record intact, Dortmund fans can look forward to more thrilling performances at the Westfalenstadion. The team’s home dominance will be crucial as they aim to compete with Europe’s best and make their mark in this season’s Champions League.
