BVB win Tokyo rain battle, Silva nets winner | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund won the second friendly of their Asia tour. Thanks to Fábio Silva’s goal in the 54th minute, BVB beat FC Tokyo 1-0 (0-0) in front of 32,486 spectators. The match was interrupted for more than 20 minutes due to a storm.

The World Cup players are gradually returning from their well-deserved vacation. While numerous U23 and U19 players were still in BVB’s starting lineup in the first friendlies, things looked different against Tokyo. Anton, Beier, Nmecha, Svensson, and Chukwuemeka were involved during the World Cup and started today.

However, the focus of the match was by no means on the performances of the two teams, but on the weather. It was already raining heavily at the start despite temperatures of over 30 degrees, and the downpour intensified as the game went on. Due to a thunderstorm warning, referee Takasaki sent the teams back to the dressing rooms in the 33rd minute. After a break of more than twenty minutes, play resumed.

By that point, the match was already over for Chukwuemeka. After less than ten minutes, the injury-prone midfielder grabbed his knee. He managed to continue for another quarter of an hour, but then had to come off.

BVB looked far more dominant than in their previous friendlies. Fábio Silva let fly in the 13th minute, but found his match in goalkeeper Kim. However, the Black and Yellows did not exactly put on a fireworks display of chances. After play resumed, Beier tested Tokyo’s keeper, who managed to clear with his foot (43’).

Reggiani hits the woodwork

BVB coach Kovac made two changes at halftime. The 17-year-old talents Riedl and Duarte came on for Nmecha and Ritter.

Dortmund rewarded themselves with the 1-0 lead in the 54th minute. After a cross from Svensson, Fábio Silva held his own in the aerial duel. He then fired the dropping ball into the far corner with an unstoppable turn-and-shoot finish for 1-0.

Right on the hour mark, Kovac rang the changes. Anton left the pitch and handed the captain’s armband to Guirassy.

BVB goalkeeper Drewes also had his moment to shine. In the 64th minute, Nakagawa broke free in front of goal after a counterattack, but was denied by the brilliantly reacting keeper.

Reggiani had the chance to make it 2-0 after 72 minutes, but sent his turning shot against the left post. An offside position prevented Yamada’s equalizer in the 77th minute.

Photo: Getty Images

Duarte became the second BVB player forced off injured (86’). That gave Lerma a few more minutes on the pitch as well.

BVB were very fortunate in the 87th minute. After an inaccurate pass from Drewes, Reggiani brought down his opponent inside his own penalty area. Somewhat surprisingly, the referee’s whistle stayed silent. Instead, Dortmund were awarded a goal kick and held on for the win.

Conclusion: On the rain-soaked pitch, the overall quality of play remained limited. After a dominant opening spell from Borussia, Tokyo pushed in vain for an equalizer late on. Both teams were unlucky: BVB with Reggiani’s shot off the post, and the hosts with the penalty not given in the closing stages.

BVB: Drewes – Reggiani, Anton (60’ Gadou), Ritter (46’ Riedl) – Beier (60’ Adje), Nmecha (46’ Duarte, 86’ Lerma), Bellingham, Svensson (60’ Yan Couto) – Inácio (60’ Albert), Chukwuemeka (23’ Yamamoto, 69’ Azhil) – Fábio Silva (60’ Guirassy)

Goal: 0:1 Fábio Silva (54’)

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