Borussia Dortmund kicked off their Champions League marketing campaign with a 3-0 victory away to Belgian champions Membership Brugge, persevering with Nuri Şahin’s unbeaten begin to life accountable for the membership.

In what was Die Schwarzgelben’s first foray again into European soccer since their excruciating defeat in final season’s Champions League closing in opposition to Actual Madrid, hopes have been undoubtedly excessive for Şahin’s facet.

Nevertheless, within the first half, regardless of dominating in possession, BvB have been unable to create any clear goal-scoring alternatives, with Brugge presenting themselves as a much more harmful outfit on the counter-attack.

After the interval, the rhythm of the sport would change because the hosts started to probe the Dortmund purpose on a much more constant foundation.

However Membership Brugge would quickly fade, and BvB took benefit with two objectives from Jamie Gittens and a penalty from Serhou Guirassy, as Die Schwarzgelben made their evening’s work look way more comfy than it was in actuality.

Defensive vulnerabilities to be ironed out

Because the new Bundesliga season restarted on the finish of August, Dortmund have been a resolute defensive outfit.

However, having saved two clear sheets of their opening two fixtures, Şahin’s facet started to indicate indicators of vulnerability at residence to Heidenheim on Friday night, conceding two objectives within the course of. 

As soon as once more, in opposition to Membership Brugge, BvB regarded like a facet that would have conceded throughout any given assault, with the Belgian champions slicing via Dortmund’s backline with ease at occasions.

With a complete of 18 photographs and two large possibilities, the hosts created way more goalscoring alternatives than Dortmund had allowed of their opening two league fixtures.

Whereas Dortmund have been capable of face up to Membership Brugge’s voyages ahead, it’s one other warning signal that not all is rosy for Die Schwarzgelben and there’s work to be accomplished if they’re to problem domestically and on the continent this season.

Jamie Gittens is Borussia Dortmund’s new star

Just below twelve months in the past, Jamie Gittens was threatening to develop into a key participant on the Westfalenstadion.

Having starred within the Champions League and the Bundesliga as an excellent sub for BvB, there was hope that the Englishman can be given the chance to be a daily starter for the Black and Yellow’s.

Nevertheless, when Jadon Sancho returned to the Westfalenstadion, Gittens’ recreation time plummeted.

Regardless of this, the 20-year-old seems to be able to make the step up this season; having already fired in two objectives within the Bundesliga, Gittens was on track but once more to supply Dortmund with a worthwhile three factors within the Champions League group phases with two fabulous objectives.

As seen to this point this season, Gittens is already a menace in entrance of purpose, however together with his confidence constructing, he’s additionally turning into a much more direct hazard one-on-one, and will he be given extra recreation time, then this may very well be the Englishman’s breakout yr.

Dortmund want to seek out management

Three factors to kickstart Die Schwarzgelben’s Champions League marketing campaign is undeniably an outstanding begin.

However, Şahin’s facet have been removed from convincing, with Membership Brugge unlucky to haven’t discovered a well beyond Gregor Kobel in purpose.

Whereas Bayern Munich dispatched Dinamo Zagreb in comfy vogue, BvB have been unable to copy this—a problem that has additionally develop into obvious within the Bundesliga as nicely.

In all of Dortmund’s final 4 fixtures, they’ve but to get on high and management a recreation with ease, and in opposition to Membership Brugge, the sport typically resembled one thing extra of a basketball recreation.

If BvB are to develop into a challenger for silverware this season, they’ll want to have the ability to silence their opposition and play them out of the sport, as their present method is actually not sustainable.

GGFN | Will Shopland