Matchday in focus: Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Dortmund have conceded the fewest goals in the Bundesliga, while Serhou Guirassy provides their main attacking threat. A closer look at Eintracht’s opponents.

Tactics

With the defence as the bedrock – normally in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 formation – Borussia Dortmund have had a firm grip on second place under head coach Niko Kovac this season and are looking to clinch the runners-up spot. With 32 goals conceded in 32 matches, the Black and Yellows boast the best rearguard in the Bundesliga.

In last Sunday’s match at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton and 18-year-old Luca Reggiani formed the back three in front of No. 1 goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham and Maximilian Beier occupied the four midfield positions.

In attack, another 18-year-old Italian was handed a start in Samuele Inácio, alongside the more experienced Julian Brandt. The main man up front is Serhou Guirassy with 15 league goals to his name. 

On the subject of attack, Dortmund…

However, none of that was in evidence last weekend as BVB went down to a 1-0 defeat at Gladbach, their third loss in four games. “We need to show a different side to ourselves after the match at Gladbach,” said Kovac, adding: “What you always need in the Bundesliga is the passion to win every challenge. Only then can you bring in the technical elements.” 

Absentees

Defenders Ramy Bensebaini and Emre Can are sidelined for the hosts, while Felix Nmecha and Niklas Süle are doubtful.

Eintracht are without Nnamdi Collins and Jens Grahl as well as the suspended Rasmus Kristensen. 

One to watch: Serhou GuirassyWith 79 goals in 132 Bundesliga appearances – 36 of them for BVB – Guirassy fully lives up to the role of the number nine on the back of his shirt. The 30-year-old, who joined from VfB Stuttgart in summer 2024, has netted 15 times in the league this season, putting him joint fourth in the scoring chart. The Guinea international is a fox in the box, with 13 of those 15 goals coming inside the penalty area.

Facts and figures

Frankfurt are Dortmund’s favourite opponents. BVB have registered more wins against the Eagles than against any other club in the Bundesliga (51). At home, Borussia have come out on top in 13 of the last 14 league meetings.

Dortmund have occupied second place in the table since Matchday 15. 

Connections

Kovac won the DFB Cup with Eintracht in 2018. He’s been coach at Dortmund since 2 February 2025.

Collins and Ansgar Knauff both came through the BVB academy, while Mario Götze made 219 competitive appearances for the Black and Yellows. Mo Dahoud and Michy Batshuayi have also had spells at the Ruhr club.