In a thrilling Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Borussia Dortmund surrendered a 2-0 lead to Real Madrid, succumbing to a 5-2 defeat. The match, which seemed to be going in favour of the Bundesliga side, turned into a night of disappointment as Real Madrid mounted a remarkable comeback. This defeat, a stark reminder of last season’s final between the two teams, left Dortmund searching for answers.
Dortmund started the game confidently, racing to a two-goal lead early in the match. Jamie Gittens was among the standout players for Dortmund, showcasing his immense talent. However, a crucial moment came when Nuri Şahin, Dortmund’s head coach, decided to replace Gittens with Waldemar Anton and shift to a back five, with 35 minutes still on the clock. This tactical change, aimed at solidifying the defence, seemed to backfire as Real Madrid quickly found their way back into the game.
Within just seven minutes of the substitution, Madrid had already equalised, putting immense pressure on Dortmund. In another questionable decision, Şahin brought off Donyell Malen, another player who had been performing well, for Pascal Groß, who had recently suffered a knock during the weekend’s match. This change failed to stem the tide, and Dortmund soon found themselves overwhelmed.
Real Madrid’s revival was led by Antonio Rüdiger, followed by a stellar performance from Lucas Vázquez. However, it was Vinícius Júnior who stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, sealing the victory for Los Blancos. The result marked Dortmund’s first loss in this season’s Champions League, a humbling defeat for a team that had started the match so brightly.
After the game, Nuri Şahin openly accepted responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging the tactical misstep. “I’m facing up to this mistake,” he admitted, reflecting on the decision to switch from a back four to a back five at a critical juncture in the match. His willingness to take ownership of the decision underscored the pressure he faces in managing a team with high expectations both domestically and in Europe.
The disappointment was shared by Felix Nmecha, a usually reserved player, who also addressed the team’s defensive frailties. In a post-match interview, Nmecha stated, “We have to learn to defend better together. It’s not down to one individual, we have to do better as a team. We have to learn that quickly.” His words highlighted the broader issue within the squad, emphasising that collective improvement is necessary if they are to progress further in the competition.
This defeat not only represents a setback in Dortmund’s Champions League campaign but also raises questions about their tactical approach in high-pressure situations. With games against other European giants on the horizon, Dortmund must regroup quickly and find a way to avoid similar collapses. The responsibility will largely fall on Şahin and his coaching staff to make the necessary adjustments.
As Dortmund moves forward, they will need to reflect on both the positives and negatives from this match. While the attacking prowess they displayed early on shows great promise, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. With the Champions League group stage still in its early phases, there is time for recovery, but improvements must come swiftly.
