Champions League: How Did Dortmund Let a Late Lead Slip Against Juventus?
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Key Takeaways
- Dortmund led 4-2 but drew 4-4 following late goals from Juventus.
- Niko Kovac emphasized the need for stability and consistency.
- Players called for more maturity in closing matches.
- Dortmund's defense strategies need improvement.
- The team faces tough opponents in the coming Champions League matches.
Berlin (Germany), Sep 17 (NationPress) The bewildering conclusion at the Juventus Stadium left many members of Borussia Dortmund's squad scratching their heads. It was as if they were desperately seeking the game's "black box" to understand the sudden collapse, with players initially watching TV replays before discussing the match.
Despite holding a 4-2 advantage over Juventus as the clock approached 90 minutes in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League opener, Dortmund conceded two goals during injury time, resulting in a 4-4 draw. "It feels like a defeat, even though we scored four goals against Juve," lamented Dortmund coach Niko Kovac. "You’d have to delve deep into history to find something similar."
The 53-year-old coach commended his team's performance as outstanding but expressed his disappointment regarding the closing moments. Nonetheless, Kovac maintained a positive perspective, considering the club's recent disappointments—losing the 2022/23 Bundesliga title on the final day and being defeated by Real Madrid in the 2024 Champions League final, as reported by Xinhua.
"We can compete on par with elite European teams. We've demonstrated that. But we don’t dwell on potential triumphs—we emphasize stability," stated Kovac, who has taken charge of a faltering squad and aims for consistency after seasons filled with ups and downs.
Creating a sense of optimism was challenging after the chaotic night in Turin. "There’s no way we should lose a game like that. It was a draw, I understand, but it feels like a defeat," remarked Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, while goalkeeper Gregor Kobel called for greater maturity in the final moments of matches.
"We need to play smart football and act wisely in the dying minutes," the Switzerland international asserted. "These situations necessitate a dirty-win mentality. A point is valuable, but it could have been three, which would have opened the door to the top eight [and qualification for the knockout stages]."
Dortmund's tendency to avoid clearing their lines and their reliance on short passes instead of longer, safer balls proved detrimental. "We shouldn't view our defensive area as a playing zone in the last minutes when leading," Kovac stated. "We must rectify that."
Dortmund's next opponent in the Champions League is Athletic Bilbao on October 1, with the Black and Yellows also scheduled to face the likes of Inter Milan, Tottenham, and Manchester City.
Point of View
It's clear that Borussia Dortmund's late-game collapse against Juventus raises significant questions about their consistency and maturity on the field. While their performance showcased potential, the inability to secure a victory despite a commanding lead highlights areas needing improvement. This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of maintaining focus until the final whistle.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the match between Dortmund and Juventus?
Dortmund led 4-2 but conceded two late goals, resulting in a 4-4 draw.
Who is the coach of Borussia Dortmund?
The coach of Borussia Dortmund is Niko Kovac.
What are Dortmund's upcoming matches in the Champions League?
Dortmund will face Athletic Bilbao next, along with matches against Inter Milan, Tottenham, and Manchester City.
How did the players react to the draw?
Players expressed disappointment, feeling it was like a defeat despite scoring four goals.
What did Niko Kovac say about the team's performance?
Kovac praised the effort but highlighted the need for improvement in closing out matches.
