Dominating first half yields victory for Borussia Dortmund in the second exhibition match
Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious in their second pre-season test match, defeating French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC by a close 3-2 margin at the Hemberg Stadium in Iserlohn.
In the opening half, Dortmund dominated possession and applied high pressure, creating multiple opportunities. The aggressive tactics paid off early, as Pascal Groß scored from a rebound following a header by Rami Bensebaini after a corner routine at the 13th minute.
Dortmund continued to control the game, with Marcel Sabitzer and Serhou Guirassy of Lille OSC having notable chances. However, just before halftime, Guirassy converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in favour of the German team.
After the break, Dortmund made several substitutions, including bringing on Karim Adeyemi and Brandt. The team eased their high pressing, allowing Lille more ball possession. Lille capitalised on this, with Hakon Haraldsson scoring at the 66th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Two minutes later, Adeyemi scored a crucial goal to restore Dortmund's two-goal advantage. This goal helped calm Dortmund's game temporarily, but former Dortmund player Thomas Meunier pulled one back for Lille at the 81st minute. Despite the late pressure, Dortmund held on for the 3-2 victory.
Player contributions were significant, with Groß, Guirassy, and Adeyemi scoring goals, while Sabitzer provided key attacking plays despite some near misses. The defensive duties of young players Benkara, Lührs, and Kabar were tested heavily against Lille’s pressing in the second half.
Niko Kovac coached Borussia Dortmund in the match, as they continue their preparations for the new season. The victory marks their second test match win, following their convincing 8-1 win against Sportfreunde Siegen earlier in the week, their first match since participating in the Club World Cup in the USA.
With this win, Borussia Dortmund have shown their resilience and adaptability, setting a promising tone for the upcoming season.
European-leagues football continues to captivate fans, with Borussia Dortmund's impressive display in a pre-season match against Lille OSC of the French Ligue 1 serving as evidence. Pascal Groß, Karim Adeyemi, and Rami Bensebaini showcased their skills, contributing goals in Dortmund's 3-2 victory, displaying their ability to adapt and remain resilient against tough opposition.