MOTM Poll: 9-1-1 Calls Spike During Heart-Stopping Borussia Dortmund/RB Leipzig Match

Full disclosure: This is probably the 20th draft of this article. What first started out as “Dortmund is amazing, how can I pick just four Man of the Match nominations” quickly dissolved into “I’M NOT NOMINATING ANYONE” after the half and then a lifeline in the dying moments of the match to “I love BVB with every fiber of my being!”

Blame it on the Trader Vic’s or blame it on the performances by (practically) the entire squad...but I am hard pressed to narrow it down to just four Man of the Match nominations.

The significance of this match was multi-layered...we’re still playing for Champions League qualification and we face this team again for our only chance to bring home silverware this season. On top of this, starlets Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham would not be participating, leading us all to wonder who would step up to fill those gaps?

See below for today’s nominations!

Łukasz Piszczek

Don’t at me! You’ve seen this before so you can hardly be surprised...I will continue to honor him with a nomination as opportunities to do so diminish. It helps that he delivered a typical Piszczu performance.

Marco Reus

El Capitan put in an admirable show today by, first, scoring the opening goal, and then continuing to have a positive presence on the pitch (where my alliteration fans at?!). If there is anyone still out there saying Reus is washed up, I challenge you to watch this match and still stand behind that sentiment.

Mahmoud Dahoud/Thorgan Hazard

Sorry not sorry, but these guys have to share a nomination because I (selfishly) couldn’t pick between them. On the one hand, BVB’s performance dropped considerably after Dahoud was subbed off which speaks to what he contributes to the team. On the other hand, look no further than that lovely touch by Hazard to assist Reus’ goal and no further elaboration is needed. These two were #essential.

Jadon Sancho

The player everyone is watching right now gave us a two goal lead which led many to think this win was “in the bag.” After Dortmund found themselves in a 2-2 tie, Sancho delivered a late goal that ultimately won the match for Die Scharzgelben. His goals were a delight to watch as his play was simply beautiful. Sanctus Sancho!

Who is your Man of the Match?