Press review BVB v TSG Hoffenheim: Solid graft over flair and inspiration | OneFootball

The 2-0 home victory of Borussia Dortmund over TSG Hoffenheim was by no means unchallenged. Yet, that lackluster sovereignty that characterizes BVB under Niko Kovac once again came into play. Here are excerpts of how the German press evaluated Dortmund’s performance on the 13th Bundesliga matchday.

Daniel Theweleit attests BVB a “victory in the Niko Kovac style” in the FAZ. The match was “tactically sophisticated,” but it would not leave a significant mark in Bundesliga history. BVB offered “solid craftsmanship instead of beauty and inspiration. But that is part of the concept.” In an overall balanced duel, the rare strong offensive moments, which they occasionally sprinkled in against Hoffenheim, were enough. However, if the few chances are not taken, this approach can backfire, as it did in the cup exit against Leverkusen.

The Sportschau, on the other hand, found BVB to be “strong,” which was also due to the two assists from Yan Couto. After the uproar over an incident involving Guirassy, which did not lead to a penalty, Julian Brandt only had to tap in Couto’s cross. Even with the lead, things did not get much easier for BVB, who mainly shone through defensive work. A fortunately created goal by Nico Schlotterbeck nevertheless secured three points, meaning Dortmund remain unbeaten at home in the Bundesliga.

Photo: IMAGO

Few strong offensive moments are enough for BVB

The in-form and strong-away Hoffenheim side “posed great challenges” for BVB, especially in the first half, according to the WAZ. That they still won “convincingly” was also down to Nico Schlotterbeck, who was flawless defensively and even contributed one of the two BVB goals. Thus, a happy ending was achieved in an English week in which hopes for a DFB-Pokal title had to be abandoned early.

In the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the DPA is summarized. “With minimalism,” Dortmund found their way back to success after the cup exit. The audience was subjected to “sleep-inducing and unambitious kicking” for a long time. Thus, BVB’s lead “came out of nowhere,” when Yan Couto set up Julian Brandt, who was behind the defense. Anyone who had hoped for a top match after the break, given Hoffenheim’s good season so far, was once again disappointed. “Hoffenheim offered far too little, and BVB also continues to look worn out these weeks.” Schlotterbeck’s 2-0 ensured an “important but lackluster” victory.

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