Champions League: Dortmund (3) vs Malaga (2): Goal Analysis

Dortmund did the magical escape after saving themselves within two minutes at the end of the game against a spirited and awesome Malaga side. A look at how the goals went in, which included some breath taking skills and some defensive lapses.

Sanchez Joaquin (25')

One-touch buildup to the goal was wonderful to watch,starting from a Malaga defender winning a header, a flick on from midfield, a lofted ball to the front-men, another header won by Malaga, chest control-and a hopeful ball by Julio Baptista into Joaquin, weak clearance from Santana, Joaquin to Isco, back to Joaquin who cut in-side the on rushing defender and slotted it underneath the feet of Subotic and past the goal-keeper. Joaquin was jubilant and Malaga were in front.

Who to thank? 

The direct-play from Malaga, fast, physical and knowing where the players are, and then Joaquin who did a decent dribble to fire past the keeper. A very good effort indeed by Joaquin who is enjoying a decent season.

Who to Blame? 

Well, when you get easily out-muscled by your opponent, you need to be at least ready to put your body on the line for blocks. That did not happen, on closer inspection I actually saw Felipe Santana backing off to give Joaquin ample time and space to get that shot away. A bit more hunger Dortmund, a bit more required!

Robert Lewandowski (40')

The Dortmund goal matched the Malaga's one for build-up as a smooth interception, then a beautiful flick-on-cum-back-heel by Marco Reus put Lewandowski through on goal and with the goal scoring form he is in; he was bound to score, which he did. Dortmund had more players than Malaga in the attacking-half and Malaga were just waiting for the inevitable to happen. The banner behind Lewandowski showing priceless.com captioned the moment, well that goal was priceless! The tie came to a draw but still adv. Malaga.

4 v 4, a stretched 4 that is! Perfect Counter!

Who to blame?

Sergio Sanchez burst up to join play but misplaced his pass which was easily intercepted, and then Malaga were found stretched and mis-organized at the back, with no one covering any Dortmund player which saw Reus in space, and Lewandowski with enough pace pulled past both the Malaga retrieving defenders to get an easy opportunity on goal.

Who to thank?

Piszczeck who made the all important interception, and then Marco Reus who beautifully back-heeled into the path of Lewandowski. Interceptions are just so important to enforce counter-attacks.

Eliseu (82')

Such an open game this one that there was no right-back in side the Dortmund half when Elisue made his lambasting run, Schmelzer was easily passed by the on-going Malaga attack, Dortmund did not play off-side for the pass, and the linesman did not give off-side for the second, a pass on which Eliseu tapped-in under no pressure what so ever. Malaga were leading!

Favor returned, 2 v 2, Thank you!

Who to blame? 

Where is the tracking-back from these teams? We saw Malaga got outnumbered during the goal which they conceded, now they were enjoying the numerical advantage over Dortmund in their half. Piszczek was to thank for his interception, but he was too far forward for this one, leaving acres of space in behind him for Malaga to work in.

Who to thank?

Another interception, this time from Malaga and then good determination to hold on the ball and play it up to Isco, who found Baptista who in turn found Eliseu. Interceptions are important, and Malaga learned it quickly enough.

Marco Reus (91')

The first of the scrappy injury time goals saw Dortmund knocking and knocking on the door, and when the ball fell to Reus, he smashed that door to bring the tie to a 2-2 draw, and a lot of hope to the German side. 

Who to blame?

For the first time, it was an individual mistake which made the difference here, some how or the other, De Michellis missed the flight of the cross, and did not reach the ball, the tracker lost the runner Subotic as he was thinking the ball will be cleared, Reus in space, a real scrap in front of goal, and bang! it was in from the Dortmund son to breath life into the game, into the tie, and into that stadium.

Who to thank?

Possibly De Michellis as well! It was a hopeful long-ball put in the Malaga defensive third, Subotic was way off where he should be, and Reus was calm enough to tuck the ball away. A scrappy goal followed by an even more scrappier one.

Felipe Santana (93')

4 players were offside when the initial cross came in, but the linesman had to cancel out his first error, so he did not give it(sarcasm). Another scrap, another off-side, again not given, Santana's shin put Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League and Malaga into heart-break.

The moment which sealed it!

Who to blame? 

They played well and should be proud

Defend with your hearts and soul is the name of the game in the last minute when you are in front, Malaga were feeble for the second goal, they were even weaker for the third. Though they did play the Dortmund players offside, but the decision never came, but only two players went in with the barrage of Dortmund players to defend, one of them did get a block in, but the sheer numbers of Dortmund players around the goal meant it had to be deflected in.

Who to thanks?

Escaping to the semis of the Champions League

LUCK AND BRAVERY!

A few points to write down:

Malaga and Dortmund: Part II, we are waiting! Please do it again UEFA. 

Dortmund need to start defending free-kicks.

Malaga need to start show desperation in defense.

Linesman need help

Football rules!