Malen Scores Late, Dortmund Edge Past Sturm Graz
Dortmund, Germany - Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Austrian side Sturm Graz in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday. The match was a tight affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the early stages. However, a late goal from Donyell Malen proved to be the difference, ensuring the German giants ended their pre-season on a positive note.
A Frustrating First Half
The first half was largely dominated by defensive struggles, with neither team managing to create clear-cut chances. Both sides were guilty of sloppy passing and lacked the sharpness expected of them, particularly after a grueling pre-season schedule. Despite the lack of goals, the match remained engaging, with a physical intensity that belied the friendly nature of the encounter.
Malen Breaks the Deadlock
The second half saw a slight improvement in the tempo, with both teams pushing for the winning goal. Dortmund, however, looked more purposeful in their attacks, and it was their persistence that eventually paid off. In the 84th minute, Malen received a well-timed pass from Marco Reus and coolly slotted the ball past the Graz goalkeeper, sending the Dortmund fans into raptures.
A Positive End to Pre-Season
The win over Sturm Graz was a timely boost for Dortmund as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga season. The match provided valuable minutes for several key players, including new signing Anthony Modeste, who came on as a second-half substitute. Although there were areas for improvement, the match was a positive indicator of the team's potential, particularly in the attacking department.
Next Up: The Bundesliga
Dortmund will now turn their attention to the opening game of the Bundesliga season, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen on August 6th. The team will be hoping to build on the momentum gained from their pre-season campaign and mount a serious challenge for the title.
Key Takeaways:
- Dortmund's late win against Sturm Graz was a positive way to end their pre-season.
- Malen's goal was the difference in a tight match, showing his potential as a key player for Dortmund.
- The team showed some promising signs in attack, but still needs to improve defensively.
- The Bundesliga season is fast approaching, and Dortmund will be looking to challenge for the title.
With their pre-season campaign complete, Borussia Dortmund will be looking to carry the momentum from their final victory into the upcoming Bundesliga season. The team has the talent and the ambition to achieve great things this year, and fans will be hoping for a thrilling ride.