Borussia now have it in their own hands | OneFootball

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/5/11/Borussia-win-4-2-in-Leverkusen-thanks-to-Kobel-and-clinical-finishing.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2025/05/11/bl-spielbericht/36M-Lever-BVB1.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"11.05.25 15:22 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"

Borussia Dortmund have won their final away match of the 2024/25 season and kept their hopes of qualification for the UEFA Champions League alive. BVB ran out 4-2 (2-1) winners away to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 33 of the Bundesliga season.
\n<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund have won their final away match of the 2024/25 season and kept their hopes of qualification for the UEFA Champions League alive. BVB ran out 4-2 (2-1) winners away to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 33 of the Bundesliga season.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"

The outstanding Kobel in goal, some help from the woodwork and clinical finishing in front of goal ensured Borussia Dortmund took in a fortuitous half-time lead. After Frimpong had made it 1-0 to Bayer in the 31st minute, Brandt (33) and Ryerson (43) put BVB 2-1 in front despite the first-half shot count of 15-4 in the opposition's favour. Following the restart, BVB made it more of an even game and struck in ice-cold fashion once again: Adeyemi (73) and Guirassy (76) slotted home chances three and four. Hofmann rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to reduce Leverkusen's deficit to 4-2.<\/p>\n

The scenario:<\/b>
\nSecond versus fifth. Leverkusen's final placement was already set in stone. BVB could finish anywhere between fourth and seventh positions. The Black & Yellows had picked up points in 14 of their previous 17 Bundesliga clashes in Leverkusen (seven victories, seven draws).<\/p>\n

Personnel matters:
\n <\/b>Except for long-term injury absentee Schlotterbeck (torn meniscus) and Beier, all first-team players were available. There was one personnel change to the starting line-up compared to the clear home win over Wolfsburg eight days earlier. Adeyemi replaced Gittens.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tactics:  <\/b>
\nBoth teams took to the field in a 3-4-3 formation. Leverkusen repeatedly pushed at least one defender forward into midfield to create numerical superiority and tended to attack down the left flank via Frimpong and Wirtz.<\/p>\n

The match & analysis:
\n <\/b>Borussia Dortmund made a laboured start to the match and allowed Bayer Leverkusen to win five corner-kicks and create three chances in the first 10 minutes. Wirtz's shot from 16 metres was deflected behind for a corner in the third minute. The Germany international beat Brandt in the box shortly afterwards only to be thwarted by Kobel, who then saved Andrich's curler (11). Leverkusen were able to link up far too easily and were awarded a penalty for a foul in the 19th minute, but the TV replays proved that Bensebaini had clearly gotten to the ball before Grimaldo. Referee Aytekin corrected his decision.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But that hearts-in-mouths moment did not serve as a wake-up call. It remained one-way traffic. And Kobel once again intervened to stop Tella from opening the scoring (27). But four minutes later, the goalkeeper was powerless to prevent the ball finding the net. Wirtz was afforded far too much space in a centre-right position in the box and squared to Frimpong, who also faced no challenge and curled the ball into the left corner from 13 metres (31). BVB immediately hit back and equalised from their first successful attack and their second shot at goal of the match. Adeyemi won a second ball and was played into the penalty area by Groß shortly afterwards, cutting the ball back from right by the byline into the path of the onrushing Brandt in the middle who slotted home to make it 1-1 (37).<\/p>\n

BVB were alert and present for a brief spell but then fell back into their old patterns and had only Kobel to thank for the fact that they did not fall behind once again. The saves to deny Tella (with his foot, 40) and Wirtz (41) were outstanding. What set the Black & Yellows apart in the first period was their merciless efficiency. After a Dortmund attack had been cleared away, Bensebaini threw himself into the Leverkusen counter-attack and cleared the ball thanks to a strong challenge over on the left touchline. Brandt then played the ball into the box, where Groß spotted Ryerson and crossed over to the right for the Norwegian to slot a low effort from 15 metres into the bottom corner and make it 2-1 (43). They maintained this lead until the interval, because Kobel made yet another outstanding stop \u2013 with his foot to deny Adli (45+4) \u2013 and the bar kept out Adli's headed effort (45+5).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Borussia re-emerged from the changing rooms with Sabitzer on in place of Nmecha but still lacked the intensity that was required to ensure they could be proactive rather than constantly reactive. Even counter-attacks, such as a four-on-four counter in the 52nd minute, were not seen through with enough purpose. Shortly afterwards, Svensson counter-attacked and played in a cross that Adeyemi narrowly missed. At least now BVB were managing to get more of a foothold in the opposition half and to make the game more even overall. Ryerson won some important challenges on the left side of the Leverkusen attack.<\/p>\n

A challenge by Sabitzer on Xhaka in the centre-circle served as the starting point for BVB's third goal of the match. Brandt reacted with speed of thought and played the ball precisely into the path of Adeyemi, who bore down on goal in an almost central position and fired into the top right corner to make it 3-1 (73). Shortly afterwards, substitute Can won the ball back and fed it to Guirassy, who shot through Tah's legs and into the bottom left corner from 18 metres out (76). Schick's goal in the final minute did not count (offside), though Hofmann's header from Wirtz's cross did (90+2).<\/p>\n

Outlook:
\n <\/b>Borussia Dortmund's 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign will end with a home game against Holstein Kiel next Saturday (15:30 CEST). Then the first-team squad will head off on holiday for two weeks. The internationals will then link up with their national teams, while the other players will prepare in Dortmund for the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place from 14 June to 13 July.<\/p>\n

Boris Rupert reporting from Leverkusen<\/i><\/p>\n

Teams & goals<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Bundesliga Matchday 33
\n Sunday 11 May 2025, 15:30 CEST
\n BAYER LEVERKUSEN 2-4 (1-2) BORUSSIA DORTMUND<\/b><\/p>\n

Bayer Leverkusen:<\/b> Hradecky \u2013 Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie (Arthur, 78) \u2013 Frimpong, Xhaka (Garcia, 78), Andrich (Palacios, 67), Grimaldo \u2013 Adli (Schick, 59), Tella (Hofmann, 59), Wirtz
\nBor. Dortmund: <\/b>Kobel \u2013 Süle, Anton, Bensebaini \u2013 Ryerson (Couto, 87), Nmecha (Sabitzer, 46), Groß (Özcan, 82), Svensson \u2013 Brandt (Gittens, 87), Adeyemi (Can, 74) \u2013 Guirassy
\nSubstitutes:<\/b> Kovar, Lomb, Buendia, Boniface \u2013 Meyer, Reyna, Duranville, Chukwuemeka
\nGoals:<\/b> 1-0 Frimpong (Wirtz, 31), 1-1 Brandt (Adeyemi, 33), 1-2 Ryerson (Groß, 43), 1-3 Adeyemi (Brandt, 73), 1-4 Guirassy (Can, 76), 2-4 Hofmann (Wirtz, 90+2)
\nCorners:<\/b> 12-0 (8-0 at half-time), chance ratio:<\/b> 12-4 (10-2)
\nReferee:<\/b> Aytekin (Oberasbach), yellow cards:<\/b>  \u2013 Groß (fifth, suspended), Nmecha
\nAttendance:<\/b> 30,210 (sold-out), weather:<\/b> sunny, 24 degrees<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"

The outstanding Kobel in goal, some help from the woodwork and clinical finishing in front of goal ensured Borussia Dortmund took in a fortuitous half-time lead. After Frimpong had made it 1-0 to Bayer in the 31st minute, Brandt (33) and Ryerson (43) put BVB 2-1 in front despite the first-half shot count of 15-4 in the opposition's favour. Following the restart, BVB made it more of an even game and struck in ice-cold fashion once again: Adeyemi (73) and Guirassy (76) slotted home chances three and four. Hofmann rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to reduce Leverkusen's deficit to 4-2.<\/p>\n

The scenario:<\/b>
\nSecond versus fifth. Leverkusen's final placement was already set in stone. BVB could finish anywhere between fourth and seventh positions. The Black & Yellows had picked up points in 14 of their previous 17 Bundesliga clashes in Leverkusen (seven victories, seven draws).<\/p>\n

Personnel matters:
\n <\/b>Except for long-term injury absentee Schlotterbeck (torn meniscus) and Beier, all first-team players were available. There was one personnel change to the starting line-up compared to the clear home win over Wolfsburg eight days earlier. Adeyemi replaced Gittens.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tactics:  <\/b>
\nBoth teams took to the field in a 3-4-3 formation. Leverkusen repeatedly pushed at least one defender forward into midfield to create numerical superiority and tended to attack down the left flank via Frimpong and Wirtz.<\/p>\n

The match & analysis:
\n <\/b>Borussia Dortmund made a laboured start to the match and allowed Bayer Leverkusen to win five corner-kicks and create three chances in the first 10 minutes. Wirtz's shot from 16 metres was deflected behind for a corner in the third minute. The Germany international beat Brandt in the box shortly afterwards only to be thwarted by Kobel, who then saved Andrich's curler (11). Leverkusen were able to link up far too easily and were awarded a penalty for a foul in the 19th minute, but the TV replays proved that Bensebaini had clearly gotten to the ball before Grimaldo. Referee Aytekin corrected his decision.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But that hearts-in-mouths moment did not serve as a wake-up call. It remained one-way traffic. And Kobel once again intervened to stop Tella from opening the scoring (27). But four minutes later, the goalkeeper was powerless to prevent the ball finding the net. Wirtz was afforded far too much space in a centre-right position in the box and squared to Frimpong, who also faced no challenge and curled the ball into the left corner from 13 metres (31). BVB immediately hit back and equalised from their first successful attack and their second shot at goal of the match. Adeyemi won a second ball and was played into the penalty area by Groß shortly afterwards, cutting the ball back from right by the byline into the path of the onrushing Brandt in the middle who slotted home to make it 1-1 (37).<\/p>\n

BVB were alert and present for a brief spell but then fell back into their old patterns and had only Kobel to thank for the fact that they did not fall behind once again. The saves to deny Tella (with his foot, 40) and Wirtz (41) were outstanding. What set the Black & Yellows apart in the first period was their merciless efficiency. After a Dortmund attack had been cleared away, Bensebaini threw himself into the Leverkusen counter-attack and cleared the ball thanks to a strong challenge over on the left touchline. Brandt then played the ball into the box, where Groß spotted Ryerson and crossed over to the right for the Norwegian to slot a low effort from 15 metres into the bottom corner and make it 2-1 (43). They maintained this lead until the interval, because Kobel made yet another outstanding stop \u2013 with his foot to deny Adli (45+4) \u2013 and the bar kept out Adli's headed effort (45+5).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Borussia re-emerged from the changing rooms with Sabitzer on in place of Nmecha but still lacked the intensity that was required to ensure they could be proactive rather than constantly reactive. Even counter-attacks, such as a four-on-four counter in the 52nd minute, were not seen through with enough purpose. Shortly afterwards, Svensson counter-attacked and played in a cross that Adeyemi narrowly missed. At least now BVB were managing to get more of a foothold in the opposition half and to make the game more even overall. Ryerson won some important challenges on the left side of the Leverkusen attack.<\/p>\n

A challenge by Sabitzer on Xhaka in the centre-circle served as the starting point for BVB's third goal of the match. Brandt reacted with speed of thought and played the ball precisely into the path of Adeyemi, who bore down on goal in an almost central position and fired into the top right corner to make it 3-1 (73). Shortly afterwards, substitute Can won the ball back and fed it to Guirassy, who shot through Tah's legs and into the bottom left corner from 18 metres out (76). Schick's goal in the final minute did not count (offside), though Hofmann's header from Wirtz's cross did (90+2).<\/p>\n

Outlook:
\n <\/b>Borussia Dortmund's 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign will end with a home game against Holstein Kiel next Saturday (15:30 CEST). Then the first-team squad will head off on holiday for two weeks. The internationals will then link up with their national teams, while the other players will prepare in Dortmund for the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place from 14 June to 13 July.<\/p>\n

Boris Rupert reporting from Leverkusen<\/i><\/p>\n

Teams & goals<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Bundesliga Matchday 33
\n Sunday 11 May 2025, 15:30 CEST
\n BAYER LEVERKUSEN 2-4 (1-2) BORUSSIA DORTMUND<\/b><\/p>\n

Bayer Leverkusen:<\/b> Hradecky \u2013 Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie (Arthur, 78) \u2013 Frimpong, Xhaka (Garcia, 78), Andrich (Palacios, 67), Grimaldo \u2013 Adli (Schick, 59), Tella (Hofmann, 59), Wirtz
\nBor. Dortmund: <\/b>Kobel \u2013 Süle, Anton, Bensebaini \u2013 Ryerson (Couto, 87), Nmecha (Sabitzer, 46), Groß (Özcan, 82), Svensson \u2013 Brandt (Gittens, 87), Adeyemi (Can, 74) \u2013 Guirassy
\nSubstitutes:<\/b> Kovar, Lomb, Buendia, Boniface \u2013 Meyer, Reyna, Duranville, Chukwuemeka
\nGoals:<\/b> 1-0 Frimpong (Wirtz, 31), 1-1 Brandt (Adeyemi, 33), 1-2 Ryerson (Groß, 43), 1-3 Adeyemi (Brandt, 73), 1-4 Guirassy (Can, 76), 2-4 Hofmann (Wirtz, 90+2)
\nCorners:<\/b> 12-0 (8-0 at half-time), chance ratio:<\/b> 12-4 (10-2)
\nReferee:<\/b> Aytekin (Oberasbach), yellow cards:<\/b>  \u2013 Groß (fifth, suspended), Nmecha
\nAttendance:<\/b> 30,210 (sold-out), weather:<\/b> sunny, 24 degrees<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia win 4-2 in Leverkusen thanks to Kobel and clinical finishing","exportedType":"text/plain"},"matchId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"matchId","title":"match id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"data-layer":"{\"editable-3304a94386\":{\"@type\":\"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable\",\"linkUrl\":\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/5/11/Borussia-win-4-2-in-Leverkusen-thanks-to-Kobel-and-clinical-finishing.html\"}}","author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"alt":"36M-Lever-BVB1.jpg","externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-1205975340","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in news wall on homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2025/5/11/Borussia-win-4-2-in-Leverkusen-thanks-to-Kobel-and-clinical-finishing","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/report"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2025/05/11/bl-spielbericht/36A-Lever-BVB1.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}