Borussia Dortmund outclass Holstein Kiel 5-0 to reach the final of the DFB Pokal despite the absence of Erling Haaland through injury.
It was a marvellous display from the home side, who looked in control right from the start. It was only a matter of time when Giovanni Reyna scored the opener in the 16th minute. The goal gave the Black and Yellows more license to control the game, but two more strikes from Reyna and Marco Reus in quick succession made the situation difficult for Holstein Kiel.
It was always going to be a long evening for the 2.Bundesliga outfit, who looked out of place and lacking any real defensive solidity. As a result, they conceded a couple of more goals before half-time through Thorgan Hazard and Jude Bellingham as Dortmund further imposed their authority over proceedings.
The Bundesliga giants, though, took the foot off the gas pedal in the second half, playing in a more passive manner. They allowed Kiel to just sit back and avoid any further humiliation, with the game ending in a handsome 5-0 victory for the home side. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Borussia Dortmund players in their convincing victory over Holstein Kiel in the semi-final of the DFB Pokal this weekend.
Marwin Hitz: 7.5/10
Although the scoreline may suggest otherwise, Marwin Hitz had to remain very sharp in goal for Borussia Dortmund. He even made one good save to keep Holstein Kiel at bay and looked very composed in between the sticks throughout the ninety minutes of the game. A deserved clean sheet for the Dortmund custodian.
Lukasz Piszczek: 7.5/10
Lukasz Piszczek looked really sharp during the early stages of the game. He read the play really well, making a few crucial interceptions while also doing well in circulating the ball forward. Defensively, the veteran was solid as ever, before getting subbed off around the hour mark. He will play a vital role in the upcoming game against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Manuel Akanji: 7.5/10
Manuel Akanji took some risks with a few of his tackles, while also looking nervy at times. For the most part, though, the BVB centre-back was rock solid at the back, offering minimal time and space for the Kiel attackers. Another clean sheet for the former Basel starlet, who continues to improve in the second half of the campaign.
Mats Hummels: 7.5/10
Mats Hummels showcased excellent composure at the heart of the Borussia Dortmund backline. He was barely troubled by the opposition, which did ease his problems as the experienced defender continues his good form. It will be interesting to see whether the veteran can replicate this display in the upcoming game against RB Leipzig.
Raphael Guerreiro: 8/10
Well worth a watch! ?
? Reus backheel
? Guerreiro backheel
?♂️ Reyna tap-in #DFBPokal #BVBKSV pic.twitter.com/PrK2hVW8uj— The DFB-Pokal (@DFBPokal_EN) May 1, 2021
Raphael Guerreiro had a brilliant game in the left-back position for Borussia Dortmund. He moved forward at will, taking full advantage of Holstein Kiel’s shoddy first half. The Portuguese international was particularly brilliant in tight spaces, circulating the ball effortlessly that resulted in constant Dortmund pressure from the left hand side.
Jude Bellingham: 8/10
Jude Bellingham was combative as ever, keeping the opposition rattled with his tough tackling. He also looked quite good in possession, distributing the play well and helping Borussia Dortmund maintain the upper hand in the middle third of the pitch. Scored the fifth goal, though his shot took a massive deflection from a Kiel defender.
Emre Can: 7.5/10
Emre Can controlled the game well in the middle of the park. He was dominant in ground duels, while offering good ball progression. The former Liverpool star dropped in at centre-back as well when required, helping Dortmund maintain a good shape both offensively and defensively. A good performance from the midfielder.
Giovanni Reyna: 9/10
Giovanni Reyna was the star of the show in the first half, drawing first blood with a fantastic curled effort in the 16th minute. He then continued the rampage with an easy tap-in to score his second. The young American is growing in confidence, having been involved in 15 goals in all competitions this season, although it was surprising to see him getting subbed off at half-time.
Gio Reyna is now tied for second place among Top 5 League U20s in goal contributions (15) for all matches.
Among all U20s only Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka, and Florian Wirtz also have at least 15 goal contributions.
— ChuckMe92 Soccer (@ChuckMe92Soccer) May 1, 2021
Thorgan Hazard: 8.5/10
Thorgan Hazard looked energetic in the first half, offering a lot of running and pressing to keep the Holstein Kiel defenders on their toes. The Belgian attacker deserves full credit for the fourth goal when he capitalised on a defensive mistake by using his pace before unleashing an accurate finish. A top performance from the Dortmund star.
Jadon Sancho: 8.5/10
Jadon Sancho registered two assists in the first half, which were warranted as the Englishman made incisive movements in and around the penalty area. He kept the opposition guessing with his neat footwork, but the attacker will be disappointed to have failed to find the back of the net himself.
?️ 'Imagine him and Rashford on opposite wings'
?️ 'Seriously needed at the Theatre of Dreams'
?️ 'Looks like someone shot the fella ?'
?️ 'He's actually outrageous ffs'Jadon Sancho, the man has a family ??https://t.co/BOhLtfIKe9
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 1, 2021
Marco Reus: 8/10
Marco Reus played really well in the absence of Erling Haaland. He led the line brilliantly and deserves most of the credit for Reyna’s second goal while he netted the third himself with a cool finish past Thomas Dahne. It was overall an excellent performance from the Dortmund captain, who has rediscovered his mojo in a timely manner as the Black and Yellows look to make a late push for the top four in the Bundesliga as well as the lifting the DFB Pokal.
Substitutes
Julian Brandt: 6.5/10
A replacement for Gio Reyna at half-time, Julian Brandt could not make too much of an impact as Borussia Dortmund appeared a little more passive in the second half. As such, the playmaker didn’t have any good opportunities to make an impression other than some clever touches and link-up play in the final third.
Thomas Delaney: 6.5/10
Thomas Delaney added some extra solidity to the Borussia Dortmund midfielder after replacing Emre Can around the hour mark. He kept things neat and tidy in the middle of the park.
Mateu Morey: N/A
Mateu Morey replaced Piszczek around the hour mark but his night was short-lived as the right-back picked up a horrific injury that may keep him out of action for the rest of 2021. If he is lucky.
We wish a very speedy recovery to Mateu Morey ??#BVB 5 – 0 #KSV #BVBKSV #KielAhoi #DFBPokal
— Holstein Kiel EN (@HolsteinKielEN) May 1, 2021
Reinier Jesus: 6.5/10
Reinier could not make much of an impact either, though his link-up play with Sancho on the far side looked promising at times during the final stages of the game.
Thomas Meunier: N/A
Thomas Meunier replaced Morey after his horrific injury. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
