BVB clear the Hafenstrasse hurdle with 1-0 win in Essen | OneFootball

The 19,962 spectators in the sold-out stadium on Hafenstrasse created an electric atmosphere long before kick-off and showed their class during the minute's silence for the late idol of both clubs, Frank Mill. When the match started, BVB did everything you have to do in a cup game against a lower-ranked opponent, but then lost their patience and their rhythm after about 25 minutes. This led to a heated battle in which the underdogs had their fair share of chances. It was not until the 79th minute that Serhou Guirassy scored the opening and ultimately winning goal.

The scenario:  Since 1963, there had been eight Bundesliga and two cup encounters between the two clubs – Borussia Dortmund won seven of these ten games, with three draws. Essen's last victory against the Black & Yellows came almost 53 years ago, in November 1972, when both clubs were in the Regionalliga.

Personnel matters:  Borussia had to do without Julian Ryerson (calf injury), Emre Can (adductor problems), Julien Duranville (shoulder), Nico Schlotterbeck (rehab after a torn meniscus) and Niklas Süle (calf muscle injury). Filippo Mane, 20, made his first-team debut on the right side of the back three.

Tactics:  In a 3-3-2-2 formation with Sabitzer in defensive midfield, Gross and Nmecha were given freedom to roam, rotating frequently with the wide players Couto and Svensson to create space in the centre, which RWE struggled to close down. Essen, playing with a back five, tried to attack down the left flank through Brumme after claiming possession.

The match & analysis:Borussia hardly let Essen touch the ball in the early stages. Sabitzer had his first shot on goal after just 32 seconds, and keeper Golz was called into action again in the fourth minute to parry Nmecha's deflected effort. Kovac's side looked lively going forward, focused and clinical on the few counterattacks they had. After 15 minutes of play, BVB had four shots on goal to zero and 70%. However, the Black & Yellows were unable to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances and had to be on their guard as the home side grew into the game.

RWE had successfully dug in their heels and almost took a 1-0 lead after half an hour. After a short clearance, Mizuta took the ball down just outside the box and struck a shot at the Dortmund goal, which required Kobel to make a strong save (32). Down the other end, Beier found himself free in front of Golz after a pinpoint pass forward, but the keeper made a superb save. RWE failed to clear the ball and Guirassy had another go from a tight angle, but once again the Essen keeper denied Dortmund the opening goal. The game was now back and forth. Brumme found the gap between Couto and Anton with a fine pass, allowing Safi to run clean through on Kobel, but the BVB keeper was not to be beaten and prevented Essen from taking a 1-0 lead with a superb stop (41). In terms of shots on goal, Dortmund now only led 6-5.

The Black &  Yellows started the second half as dominantly as they had the first, managing to pin their opponents back and looking to play their way through their stubborn defence. But the requisite dynamism was lacking. There were no surprises or changes of pace. And once again, Essen came back stronger. Niko Kovac looked increasingly dissatisfied on the sidelines and brought on Bellingham and Brandt after an hour, with the latter firing a free kick just wide of the right-hand post in the 69th minute.

Ten minutes later, the ball finally hit the back of the net. RWE couldn't clear their lines. Bensebaini played a sharp pass to the feet of Guirassy, who turned on the spot at the edge of the box and fired the ball precisely into the far corner. Golz seemed taken aback by the nifty shot on the turn.

Outlook:  The pairings for the second round will be drawn at 19:15 CEST on 31 August. The draw will be broadcast live on ARD. Borussia Dortmund will kick off their Bundesliga season away to FC St. Pauli on Saturday and will then host Union Berlin on 31 August.

Boris Rupert reporting from Essen

Teams & goals

DFB-Pokal, First RoundROT-WEISS ESSEN 0–1 (0-0) BORUSSIA DORTMUND