Talking Points from Borussia Dortmund 0-0 SC Freiburg

Borussia Dortmund were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by ten-man SC Freiburg. Yoric Ravet was sent off for a rash challenge on Dortmund skipper Marcel Schmelzer who, along with Marc Bartra, came off due to injury.
Dortmund came closest through Pulisic’s shot on the turn in the second half, while Piszczek’s header minutes from full time was agonisingly close. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked to have scored the winner, but his goal in the 80th minute was disallowed as Freiburg were awarded a free-kick for a foul in the box. The hosts came closest through Tim Kleindienst’s shot, which was well saved by Roman Burki after the Freiburg striker was through on goal.

With this draw, Peter Bosz’s men remain top of the league, ahead of Hoffenheim and Hannover on goal difference. They were helped out by their title rivals Bayern Munich falling to a shock 2-0 defeat to Hoffenheim at the weekend.
Dortmund next face Tottenham in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday night.

Here are the major Talking Points from the match-

Schmelzer’s loss means Zagadou’s gain

Dortmund were handed a major injury concern as their skipper, Marcel Schmelzer came off injured in the 28th minute. Yoric Ravet’s late challenge twisted his ankle in an awkward way, and it has now been confirmed that he’ll remain on the side-lines for at least six weeks. It is sad particularly because he just made a return from a major injury, and just half an hour into his return, he’s forced into another injury. However, Zagadou is a more than able deputy for the skipper, and he’ll get his chances to impress the boss in the upcoming games. They’ll still miss Schmelzer’s experience in the important games, though.

Bartra’s injury scare

Marc Bartra looked to have strained his muscle and he signalled to the bench for his substitution. Fans are eagerly waiting for news on him and hope that it’s only a precautionary measure, particularly because they’re in for a gruelling schedule of 7 games in just over 21 days. Bartra should probably be fit for the Tottenham game and would be a major loss if he doesn’t recover by then.

Gotze the only Bright Spot

Mario Gotze was the only bright spot for the visitors’ midfield and looked like the only one playing with a purpose. His passes and defence-splitting through balls were flawless, and he was close to assisting Philipp who skied the ball after running behind the Freiburg defence. Gotze looks like he’ll be the fulcrum of Bosz’s team this season, and how his attacking abilities complement Sahin’s defensive contributions will be of immense importance for their side in the big games.

Off Day for the Attack, but could Kagawa have saved the day?

Not much came off for any of Dortmund’s attackers, who couldn’t do much on their own after poor service. And on top of that, Bosz was forced ti make two defensive substitutions and so he could only bring on one attacker. However, many felt that Kagawa could’ve been a better option than the debutant Yarmolenko, whose only notable action was a cross which went into the stands and resulted in a round of jeers from the home fans. Kagawa’s experience and prowess need no introduction, and he could certainly have saved the day for his side, who now remain the only team yet to concede, but they’ll surely have traded it for an extra two points today.