This match was a must-win for Dortmund. After the humiliation of being knocked out of the Europa League by RB Salzburg, Peter Stöger and his men needed to produce a win simply for morale’s sake. It was an ugly 1-0 victory, but we can pretty much expect that now from Peter Stöger.

Match Highlights

After a mere 2 minutes, Batshuayi nearly had a goal, but his shot was denied by the post. Just 23 minutes in, André Schürrle nearly scored a goal straight from a corner kick, but the Hannover keeper blocked it to keep the game level. The next corner kick resulted in a goal from none other than Michy Batshuayi, barely getting enough of a touch on the ball to knock it into the side netting. After having almost nothing to do for the entire first half, Bürki was tested just before the half ended, but a kick save kept Borussia Dortmund in the lead.

Awful marking at the top of the box in the second half caused Bürki to have to be called back into action, but he rose to the occasion, compensating for Dortmund’s woeful defense. Just before the match ended, Borussia Dortmund had two chances to put the nail in the coffin for Hannover, but came up short both times. Maximillian Philipp, having been subbed in for Christian Pulisic, beat the keeper but narrowly missed the target and instead, hit the post. Next, a good ball into the center of the box from Götze could’ve given Batshuayi another goal, but he squandered his opportunity and the match ended 1-0, his first half goal being the only one scored.

Talking Points

• Batshuayi scores again

The prospect of keeping Batshuayi looks less and less likely with each goal he scores. On one hand, it’s no coincidence that he has succeeded in Dortmund far more than he has at Chelsea. The stereotype of Chelsea renting players out and destroying them is true once again.

• Götze performs

Peter Stöger slammed Mario Götze after a poor display against RB Salzburg, and it seemed Götze was keen on not letting that happen again, so he was sure to bring out the big guns today. While he did not get on the scoring sheet, I thought he did well and was constantly working on the attack.

• Three points

As pathetic as it sounds, Borussia Dortmund need every point they can get before the season ends, as Champions League qualification is still not guaranteed. Those who want it are going to take it, so the boys need to fight in every match for a win.

• Opening minutes

This may be because the game was so early and I was still waking up, but the intensity from not only Dortmund but Hannover as well was absolutely ridiculous. I felt like the program was on fast forward with the effort both sides were putting in. I hope we can see that attacking mentality from Dortmund in the future.