Dortmund looking ahead to new season after impressive win

Sports Sunday 21/June/2020 16:26 PM
By: Times News Service
Dortmund looking ahead to new season after impressive win

Berlin: With a clinical and disciplined performance, Borussia Dortmund confirmed their place as the Bundesliga's second-best team.
The convincing victory over Leipzig ensured reason to celebrate, despite the obvious disappointment of yet another failed title challenge.
Lucien Favre has reinstated Dortmund as genuine title challengers in two seasons and on Saturday he out-foxed opposite number and lauded tactician Julian Nagelsmann.
Giovanni Reyna (17) and Mateu Morey (20) were handed their full debuts and both were impressive in replacing Jadon Sancho (benched) and Achraf Hakimi (suspended).
With Sancho linked with a move to England and Hakimi almost certainly returning to Real Madrid following a two-year loan, Dortmund fans were given a glimpse of a life without two of their star performers.
And both youngsters forecast a bright future.
Fresh blood impresses
Reyna provided a sublime first-touch assist for Erling Haaland to grab the opener on the half hour mark. The American has been given a few cameos this season but this was his first chance to stake a claim for a starting position. Reyna won't be able to replace Sancho's goal threat immediately, but his awareness, touch, and dribbling ability shone through in his 81 minutes.
Morey, meanwhile, made a few eye-catching forays forward, which bodes well for his quest to fill Hakimi's role. It's a promising sign for Dortmund as they plan for a more successful assault on Bayern's title monopoly.
Argentinian center-back Leonardo Balerdi (21) also arrived off the bench, while midfielder Tobias Raschl (20) was unused. Both are expected to play a more defining role next season.
With the added prospect of Erling Haaland having a full season with Dortmund - his second goal in injury time took his Bundesliga tally to 13 in 14 games - the club's prospects are very bright.