Borussia Dortmund slalomed their pre-season opponents during a pair of friendlies in the last week. The two matches produced plenty of goals as Dortmund followed up their six goals against SC Rheindorf Altach with an 11-2 thrashing of Austria Vienna yesterday. Both fixtures offered new signings like Jude Bellingham and veterans alike the opportunity to make cases for a starting slot. There were many encouraging performances from the players as a new Bundesliga season looms.
Dortmund’s big summer signing, Jude Bellingham, made a very good impression in his first two appearances. The 17-year-old scored his first goal for Dortmund on Sunday against Austria Vienna and registered an assist in both matches. His debut with the club will be considered a success as he was able to be a lively and productive player.
It didn’t take long for Dortmund to hit their stride, with Reyna lashing in from 15 yards after his clever run beat the offside trap. The 17-year-old doubled his side’s advantage midway through the half, finishing smartly with his left foot after being teed up by Manuel Akanji. BVB continued to dominate but were pegged back when Christoph Mondschein escaped his marker in the box to head in a cross from the left but two quick goals from Guerreiro and Pherai before the end of the first half dampened any hope of a comeback.
While the future of star-man Jadon Sancho has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, Dortmund and Sancho showed that they are fully focused on their football with another eye-catching display in the second half. Sancho himself got on the scoresheet in the second half after he was set up by Emre Can. He repaid the favour not too long after for his side’s sixth.
Further goals from Marius Wolf, Jude Bellingham, Thorgan Hazard, Taymar Duman and Nico Schulz completed the demolition as Dortmund continue their preparation for the new season where they will be hoping to end Bayern’s eight-year title-winning streak. Whatever happens, as regards the Sancho transfer saga will surely play a major role in determining their fate ahead of next season.
