Borussia Dortmund vs. RB Leipzig: The hidden truths

Borussia Dortmund dominated RB Leipzig on the scoreboard this weekend, but what about the actual game?

RB Leipzig played well against Borussia Dortmund this past Sunday at the Westfalenstadion. Jean-Kevin Augustin scored 37 seconds into the match. Leipzig’s issue, despite all of the chances they created over the next 89 minutes, was that they were unable to convert any into further goals.

Let’s also give credit where credit is due. Mr. Roman Burki, if you are in the room, please stand up and give yourself a pat on the back. The Swiss international goalkeeper delivered a terrific performance against Ralf Rangnick’s crew.

Had Burki not denied Leipzig time and time again, the scoreline would have most certainly looked quite different at the conclusion of the match. Though BVB’s defense was much better-organized in this match as compared to last season, it was apparent they still lack the chemistry needed in order to be considered an elite unit.

Developing a blind understanding with your teammates, such as Bayern Munich’s David Alaba and Arjen Robben, takes time. It rarely happens in one preseason. Many of these Dortmund players were playing their first league match together.

Personnel changes may be required in order for Favre to produce an elite back line. Adbou Diallo and Manuel Akanji consistently show signs of becoming an outstanding center-back pairing for years to come. The same cannot be said for their full-back running mates.

Marcel Schmelzer and Lukasz Piszczek are showing their age, and in Schmelzer’s case, lack of quality. Schmelzer struggled mightily with Leipzig’s press, often losing possession in compromising positions. Piszczek has the mental awareness, but is rapidly losing the physical ability to keep up with quicker opponents on the wing.

The full-back problem won’t go away for Dortmund any time soon. These positions could be a liability for the team once the Champions League gets underway and the quality of their opponents takes a significant step up from the typical Bundesliga club.

Favre’s inconsistent defense will need to drastically improve before his squad can compete domestically with Bayern Munich, or in the Champions League against clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool or Manchester City, to name a few.

BVB’s defensive line struggled with the Leipzig press for much of the match, thus hindering the team’s build-up play and placing themselves in danger of conceding another preventable goal. Axel Witsel was instrumental in overcoming this issue by dropping back and becoming the link between the back four and midfield, and ultimately the attacking line.

Speaking of the Dortmund midfield, they were a formidable bunch in this game. Axel Witsel, Mahmoud Dahoud and Thomas Delaney looked impressive at times against their Leipzig counterparts. The improved play of Dahoud especially, raised an eyebrow or two. This, after coming off of a rather forgettable debut season with the club in 2017-18.

On several occasions during the broadcast it was referenced that BVB lack a true center-forward in their lineup. Perhaps because Maximilian Philipp didn’t look particularly comfortable in this role. That argument can now be laid to rest with the arrival of Paco Alcacer from Barcelona. This allows Philipp to return to his natural position on the wing.

Statistically, Leipzig were at eye-level with Dortmund. The Red Bulls finished the match with 54 percent possession and seven shots on goal. Where Ralf Rangnick’s squad failed horrifically throughout the match, though, was on the final pass in attack in front of goal.

Leipzig were simply unable to put the finishing touch on numerous scoring chances. There was an instance in the second half when a beautifully-delivered ball landed perfectly in the box only for Emil Forsberg to be three feet in front of it, preventing a lethal final touch into the back of the net.

In comparison, Borussia Dortmund scored four times from five shots on goal. Two of which came from set pieces. The final nail in Leipzig’s coffin was delivered by none other than Marco Reus, who scored as a result of a brilliantly-executed BVB counter-attack in stoppage time.

Dortmund capitalized on their opportunities while Leipzig did not. The two clubs were even on the stat sheet for the most part, but Leipzig were arguably the better team for long stretches of play, only to squander multiple scoring chances. This undoubtedly changed the direction, and likely the outcome of the game.

Borussia Dortmund should be ecstatic to win a match against a quality opponent such as RB Leipzig on the opening match day of the season with a 4-1 scoreline. However, this does not excuse the fact that there are still glaring weaknesses on this team that must be addressed, particularly as it pertains to their starting full-backs.

As of today, Dortmund should have little difficulty securing a top-three finish in the Bundesliga this season. Though, if the club has higher aspirations, especially regarding the Champions League, they must resolve these final few lingering issues.