Borussia Dortmund achieved a dominant 3-0 victory over Sporting CP in Lisbon. This win marks a significant milestone in Niko Kovac’s early tenure. The first half remained goalless. After the break, Dortmund turned up the intensity. They delivered a clinical performance that left the Portuguese side struggling to respond.
Serhou Guirassy, Pascal Groß, and Karim Adeyemi all found the net, sealing a well-earned triumph for the Black and Yellows. This crucial victory brings Dortmund closer to the knockout stage, reinforcing their ambitions on the European stage.
A Game of Two Halves
Despite controlling possession, Dortmund’s first-half display lacked urgency. Sporting, meanwhile, struggled to create clear-cut chances, with most of their attempts coming from distance. At halftime, adjustments were clearly needed—and they came in full force.
The second half saw Dortmund shift gears. Their attacking play became more direct and incisive, ultimately breaking down Sporting’s defense. Pascal Groß acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized the importance of securing the win:
“We knew we had to be more aggressive going forward. At halftime, we talked about moving the ball faster and being more decisive in attack. We made those adjustments, and it paid off.”
Karim Adeyemi, who added his name to the scoresheet, echoed the sentiment:
“It was a tough match, but we showed our quality. The second half was much better, and we fully deserved the win. Now, we need to carry this momentum into the weekend.”
Kovac’s Take: A Step in the Right Direction
Speaking after the match, head coach Niko Kovac praised the team’s response in the second half:
“The first half was too slow, and we needed to improve. In the second half, we played with more intensity and moved the ball quicker—that made all the difference. Keeping a clean sheet was also a priority, and the team delivered.”
While delighted with the performance, Kovac made it clear that Dortmund cannot afford to lose focus:
“This is the level we need to maintain. We have another big game ahead in Bochum, and consistency is key. Winning is essential—it builds confidence and keeps us moving forward.”
With this victory, Dortmund has set the tone for the crucial fixtures ahead. If they can replicate their second-half performance, their European campaign looks increasingly promising.
