BVB women pick up three points in Gütersloh | OneFootball

Ahead of the match against FSV Gütersloh, Markus Högner had prepared his team for a challenging task: the team relegated last season from the Women's Bundesliga 2 combine a strong defence with tactical acumen. At the Tönnies Arena in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, the coach opted for almost the same line-up as in the previous two matches – with only Celina Baum replacing Annika Enderle in the starting XI.

And it was Baum who created the first big chance for her team in the fourth minute: She teed up Rita Schumacher, whose shot hit the left post. From then on, Dortmund took control of the game, looking confident in build-up play and creating further chances through Dana Marquardt (11), Ronja Leubner (12) and Rita Schumacher (15).

As the game progressed, the BVB women slowed down a little, but remained dangerous in attack and constantly pressed the home team back into their own half: Rita Schumacher was unable to capitalise on a dangerous cross from the right by Baum, as Gütersloh goalkeeper Leah Blome made a strong save (27). In the 35th minute, however, the long-overdue and well-deserved opening goal finally arrived: Celina Baum once again found Ronja Leubner in the centre of the penalty area, who briefly lost the ball in a duel but then fought for a second chance and sank it into the net from just under 15 metres out. It was Leubner's eighth goal of the season.

The second half began with an injury-related substitution for BVB: striker Dana Marquardt, who had got her foot caught in the artificial turf shortly before the half-time whistle, had to make way for Jasmin Jabbes. BVB's new number five immediately got herself involved in the game and also recorded the first two shots of the second 45 minutes.

Markus Högner's pre-match assessment then proved to be correct, as Mark Oliver Stricker's side showed resillience in defence, allowing the Black & Yellows few opportunities. Gütersloh then started to pose a threat of their own on a few occasions after an hour. However, Dortmund didn't allow themselves to be rocked and continued to enjoy lots of possession: after the lively Celina Baum could have increased the lead in the 69th minute, it was Ann-Sophie Vogel who scored the final goal in the closing stages after a great pass from Jasmin Jabbes to make it 2-0.

And so it continues for Borussia in the Regionalliga West: on Matchday 12, Markus Högner's team will face SGS Essen's U21s at the Rote Erde stadium (9 November, 15:00 CET). Tickets for the match are available from the online ticket shop. The match will also be broadcast live and free of charge on Pluto TV.

Robert Targan