Bundesliga
Maximilian Beier's stellar performance helped Borussia Dortmund secure a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig, ending the visitors' 19-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Šeško 27‘ (assist: Openda), 1-1 Beier 30‘ (assist: Nmecha), 2-1 Guirassy 65’ (assist: Beier)
Dortmund, looking to bounce back from a loss to Augsburg, faced a formidable Leipzig side riding a 19-game unbeaten streak. The home team's injury woes continued, with several key players sidelined, including first-choice goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Despite these challenges, Dortmund were determined to maintain their strong home record, having won all four of their previous home matches this season.
The match began with Dortmund asserting their dominance, controlling possession and creating chances early on. However, it was Leipzig who drew first blood against the run of play. In the 27th minute, Benjamin Šeško showcased his clinical finishing, latching onto a clever pass from Loïs Openda to fire past Alexander Meyer. The goal, coming from Leipzig's first shot on target, stunned the home crowd who had seen their side miss a couple of golden chances minutes before.
Dortmund's resilience was immediately put to the test, but they responded brilliantly. Just three minutes after falling behind, Maximilian Beier leveled the score. The young forward, making only his third Bundesliga start for Dortmund, showed great composure to poke home from close range following a corner. Beier's goal, his first for the club, ignited the fans and set the stage for an enthralling contest. Julian Brandt and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens were particularly impressive in the first half, creating several chances for the home side.
Watch: Can: "After three defeats, this win feels amazing"
As the second half unfolded, Dortmund's dominance became more pronounced. The home side continued to create chances, with Beier and Bynoe-Gittens causing problems for the Leipzig defence. Nico Schlotterbeck was solid at the back, making crucial interceptions to thwart Leipzig's counter-attacks. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Serhou Guirassy headed home from Beier's pinpoint cross, sending the Yellow Wall into raptures. The goal was a testament to Dortmund's persistence and Beier's growing influence on the game.
With the lead secured, Dortmund showed great maturity in managing the game's closing stages. Emre Can, playing out of position in central defence, marshalled the backline effectively, while Pascal Groß provided stability in a less familiar right-back role. Leipzig pushed for an equaliser, with Péter Gulácsi making crucial saves to keep them in the game. However, Dortmund's resolute defending, coupled with Meyer's assured goalkeeping, ensured the home side held on for a crucial victory, ending Leipzig's impressive unbeaten run.
Maximilian Beier delivered a standout performance that proved crucial in Dortmund's victory. The young forward not only scored the equaliser but also provided the assist for Guirassy's winning goal. Beier's movement off the ball created space for his teammates, while his work rate and pressing disrupted Leipzig's build-up play. With six shots throughout the match, more than any other player, Beier consistently threatened the opposition defence. His ability to perform at such a high level against an unbeaten Leipzig side, in just his third league start, showcased his potential and importance to the team.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Borussia Dortmund 3.1728 - RB Leipzig 0.5932
Fastest player: Benjamin Šeško (RBL), 33.62 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Benjamin Šeško (RBL), 6 percent
Most pressed player: Maximilian Beier (BVB), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Julian Brandt (BVB), +4.13
Fantasy Heroes: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund, 277 Points), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund, 260 Points), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund, 252 Points)