Dortmund keep Champions League hope alive in Alonso's BayArena farewell | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund crash Xabi Alonso's BayArena farewell party with clinical 4-2 victory

Borussia Dortmund came from behind to deny Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah their fairytale farewells from the BayArena in a crucial 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Goalkeeping heroics from Gregor Kobel combined with clinical performances from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt ensure Dortmund's hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification were kept alive until the final day.

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Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Borussia DortmundGoals: 1-0 Frimpong 31’ (assist: Wirtz), 1-1 Brandt 33’ (assist: Adeyemi), 1-2 Ryerson 43’ (assist: Groß), 1-3 Adeyemi 73‘ (assist: Brandt), 1-4 Guirassy 77‘ (assist: Can), 4-2 Hofmann 90‘+2 (assist: Wirtz)

It was to be an emotional farewell at the BayArena as Alonso prepared to lead Leverkusen for the last time at home. However, Dortmund had other plans, eyeing a crucial victory to keep pressure on fourth-placed Freiburg and their Champions League hopes alive. With both teams having something to fight for, the match promised to be a thrilling encounter.

Jeremie Frimpong ran straight to his manager after opening the scoring for Leverkusen. (IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Axel Kohring)

Leverkusen's early dominance

Bayer Leverkusen started the match with real intent, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Florian Wirtz was at the heart of Leverkusen's attacks, constantly finding pockets of space and threading passes through Dortmund's defence. The home side controlled 61% of possession and registered 20 shots throughout the game, compared to Dortmund's nine. However, Dortmund's goalkeeper Kobel was in inspired form, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

Kobel made a series of spectacular first-half saves to keep Dortmund in the competition. (INA FASSBENDER)

Goals galore

The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute when Frimpong found the back of the net for Leverkusen, sending the BayArena into jubilant celebrations. However, Dortmund's response was swift and clinical. Just two minutes later, Brandt equalized against his former club, silencing the home crowd. The visitors then took the lead in the 43rd minute through an unexpected source, as Julian Ryerson fired home to give Dortmund a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Ryerson's pinpoint accurate finish was the difference between the sides at half-time. (IMAGO)

Dortmund's clinical second half

The second half saw Leverkusen push for an equalizer, but it was Dortmund who struck again. Adeyemi extended the visitors' lead in the 73rd minute with a well-taken finish. Four minutes later, Serhou Guirassy added Dortmund's fourth, effectively sealing the victory. Despite Jonas Hofmann scoring a consolation goal for Leverkusen in stoppage time, it was too little too late for Alonso's men. Dortmund's tactical changes, including the introduction of Marcel Sabitzer for Felix Nmecha at half-time, helped them maintain control in the second half.

Player of the Match: Julian Brandt

Brandt was instrumental in Dortmund's victory, scoring the crucial equalizer and providing a constant threat throughout the match. His goal came at a pivotal moment, swinging the momentum in Dortmund's favour. Brandt's vision and passing were key to his side's counter-attacking strategy, helping to unlock Leverkusen's defence on multiple occasions. His performance against his former club was a testament to his importance in Dortmund's push for Champions League qualification.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Leverkusen 2.21 - Dortmund 1.26Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 36.09 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-2 by Julian Ryerson (Dortmund), 7 percentMost pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), 35 times under pressurePass efficiency: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), +2.91

Fantasy Heroes: Julian Brandt (Dortmund, 329 Points), Gregor Kobel (Dortmund, 274 Points), Julian Ryerson (Dortmund, 242 Points)

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