Dortmund's U-23s Stay Undefeated | OneFootball

The Stakes

Having earned three wins and two draws from their first five games, the U-23 side entered its away match at Grenzlandstadion on a roll. Following its derby victory over Schalke 04 on Tuesday, Coach Daniel Rios’ team was brimming with confidence.

The BVB Lineup

Rios initially planned to field a slightly altered starting lineup: Nanitonda Quiala was set to start at central defense in place of Jan-Luca Riedl, who was to move up into Malik Hodroj’s position. However, an injury to Jesper Verlaat during warmups forced Riedl to drop to center back, and Hodroj returned to his usual spot at outside back.

Match Summary

The home team came out flying: Three corner kicks in the first five minutes created immediate danger, with Silas Ostrzinski making a strong save to tip the most threatening one over the crossbar. BVB found its way into the game through counterattacks, though Rios' men initially struggled to find decisive plays. However, the Black & Yellow increasingly took control through their intelligent press and fluid combination plays, repeatedly putting Kevin Mutove in promising positions. In the 37th minute, Silas Ostrzinski found himself beaten by Gladbach’s second attempt of the match, but the officiating correctly called the goal back for offside. The two teams were scoreless at the half.

Gladbach emerged from the locker rooms with renewed vigor and created a quality chance early on. BVB subsequently hit back, Krempicki missing an opportunity in the 52nd minute and Riedl’s header on a corner kick sailing centimeters wide of the goal. At the other end, Ostrzinski had to make a desperate 64th-minute save to deny Uwakhonye. Substitute Arne Wessels brought fresh energy to the attack and set up a great chance for Malik Hodroj in the 84th minute, Hodroj's shot sailing over the frame. Despite its slight edge in chances, BVB ultimately had to settle for a 0–0 draw.