Giovanni Reyna and Erling Haaland step up as Borussia Dortmund secure a comprehensive 4-1 comeback win over Werder Bremen.

Borussia Dortmund keep their hopes of a Champions League finish alive with a sublime 4-1 win over Werder Bremen on Sunday. The result capped off an excellent weekend for the Black and Yellows, who manage to capitalise on Frankfurt’s defeat to bridge the gap to just four points, with just five matches remaining.

Despite the margin of the victory, however, it was Bremen who took the ascendancy, finding the breakthrough inside 14 minutes through Milot Rashica. It was a fairly familiar scenario for Dortmund fans, although the hosts showed excellent resolve and kept on probing the opposition backline, with Giovanni Reyna eventually levelling things with an absolute rocket in the 29th minute.

It opened the floodgates as Bremen conceded two more goals from Erling Haaland before half-time. They remained resilient in the second half instead of pushing forward, although it was Dortmund who looked quite wasteful in front of goal.

That was, however, until Mats Hummels scored from a header in the 87th minute to add the final gloss to the scoreline. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these Dortmund players in their comprehensive win over Werder Bremen this weekend.

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Marwin Hitz: 5/10

Marwin Hitz should have done a lot better in keeping out Rashica’s effort early on, as he was beaten on the far post despite the shot being taken from a steep angle. This performance only raises further questions over Dortmund’s weak goalkeeping department and a new shot-stopper should be a priority in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Mateu Morey: 6.5/10

Starting ahead of Thomas Meunier once again, Mateu Morey kept things neat and tidy. He was key in building the ball up from the back and had a relatively easy game on the flanks. He was, however, taken off at half-time, perhaps in light of the upcoming Englischwoche.

Manuel Akanji: 7.5/10

Manuel Akanji appears to be improving in every game as it was another classy display from the Dortmund centre-back. His forward passes have improved considerably since the turn of the year while the defender’s excellent physique makes it almost impossible for attackers to get through. He is poised to become the face of the BVB defence next season.

Mats Hummels: 7.5/10

Despite his age, Mats Hummels is still going strong and he showed that once again this evening. The veteran centre-back was composed in possession, playing a vital role in the build-up while also making a few important clearances. He was a threat going forward as well, notably netting Dortmund’s fourth goal of the night.

Raphael Guerreiro: 7/10

With the opposition providing minimal threat going forward, Raphael Guerreiro was given the license to make his trademark attacking runs and influence the game in the final third. The left-back still needs some improvement in his defensive game, though, if he is to become a more accomplished full-back for both his club and country.

Mahmoud Dahoud: 6.5/10

With no Axel Witsel, Emre Can or Thomas Delaney, the onus was on Mahmoud Dahoud to offer that stability in midfield. The former Gladbach man did not disappoint either, dictating possession from deep and keeping things ticking in midfield. It appears Dahoud is equally brilliant in both the attacking and defensive side of his game.

Giovanni Reyna: 9/10

Giovanni Reyna was a man on a mission today, as he emerged as an inspiration for Dortmund with his offensive runs and trickery on the far side. In fact, the American international almost looked unplayable at times and it was his rocket strike that beat Jiri Pavlenka for the first goal. His overall involvement in the game was far greater as well, and the youngster certainly deserves the Man of the Match label.

Jude Bellingham: 7/10

Jude Bellingham had a couple of iffy moments in midfield where he struggled. However, he was able to pick up the pace after the restart, with his aggression and tenacity once again proving to be key in Dortmund’s second line of press. He is indeed a dream talent for the Black and Yellows and has the potential of becoming a cult hero in Ruhrpott.

Julian Brandt: 7/10

Julian Brandt was given a starting berth in midfield, and the former Leverkusen man looked okay. He was decent in possession, playing a key role in the transition while he was confident with his passing. Some of his interplay with teammates were simply exquisite to watch.

Marco Reus: 8/10

Marco Reus was one of Dortmund’s best performers against Bremen, leading from the front with his unrivalled determination and seemingly telepathic combination play with the likes of Haaland, Reyna and Brandt. The German attacker came close to scoring on multiple occasions but he couldn’t quite add the accuracy in his finishing.

Erling Haaland: 8.5/10

Erling Haaland was always due a big haul after going without scoring in four competitive matches. And this was indeed his night, as the Norwegian superstar completely dominated the Werder Bremen defence with his physical presence, especially in the backend of the first half.

He also deserves credit for coolly converting the penalty while being in the right place at the right time for the third goal. Came close to sealing his first hat-trick at home, but the youngster was rather unlucky, with one of his goals being chalked off due to offside.

Substitutes

Lukasz Piszczek: 7/10

Lukasz Piszczek replaced Morey at the start of the second half. It was refreshing to see the veteran right-back getting some minutes and he didn’t disappoint either. In fact, Piszczek was better than Morey, particularly with his forward passing. He also stood up to the challenge of the pace of Romano Schmid, showing his athleticism even at the age of 35. An absolute legend.

Emre Can: 6/10

Emre Can came on for Dahoud around the half-hour mark, adding more physical presence in the middle of the park. He did a good job and this performance should definitely lift his confidence after making a couple of grave errors against Manchester City over the two legs.

Thorgan Hazard: 6.5/10

Thorgan Hazard was introduced in the final phase of the game, and he didn’t take any time making an impact either, creating a golden opportunity for Reyna, whose close-range header went over the target.

Reinier: N/A

A late replacement for Reus. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Steffen Tigges: N/A

A late replacement for Haaland. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

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