Bitter stats show: why Dortmund should really be chasing Bayern | OneFootball

After strong first halves, Borussia Dortmund statistically plays on par with FC Bayern. But because BVB rarely extends its leads, the title race remains theoretical so far.

Borussia Dortmund plays a peculiar dual role this season. By halftime, BVB often looks like a true title contender – but by the final whistle, disappointment often prevails. The numbers reveal a clear pattern: In a hypothetical "halftime table," the Black and Yellows would be just slightly behind FC Bayern with 37 points. However, the longer the games last, the more this claim fades away.

The difference becomes particularly clear when looking at the second halves. While Dortmund operates almost on par with the record champions in the first 45 minutes, the team statistically slips into mediocrity after the break. Only a fraction of the matches were won after the restart – too few for a team that actually wants to compete at the top.

A prime example was the turbulent start to the new year in Frankfurt. BVB took the lead twice, conceded the quick equalizer twice, and ended with just a 3:3. Such games are no longer isolated cases. Whether against St. Pauli, Stuttgart, or recently Eintracht Frankfurt – Dortmund repeatedly squanders leads that should provide security.

The Missing Second Goal: BVB's Biggest Issue in the Title Race

Coach Niko Kovac sees the cause less in fitness or mentality and more in a detail. "The crucial point is this: we fail to add a second goal after taking the lead, so we have a buffer of two goals difference," the coach explained recently. This missing step towards a decisive lead costs BVB valuable points.

Kovac is convinced that with more consistency in finishing, the dynamics of the games would change. "When the opponent is two goals behind, they open up even more," says the 54-year-old – describing the scenario that Dortmund so often misses: space, relief, calm.

Thus, the bitter realization remains: BVB statistically has the potential to at least seriously chase Bayern. But as long as leads are not extended, Dortmund remains what the numbers currently show – a halftime champion that in reality leaves too many opportunities for the next big step on the table.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.