RB Leipzig 0-2 Borussia Dortmund: Key talking points & observations

Erling Haaland at the brace as Borussia Dortmund wrap up runners-up spot.

Borussia Dortmund are confirmed runners-up for the 2019/20 season after a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena. Prodigious striker Erling Halaand scored once in each halves to secure all three points as Timo Werner’s final home game before the Chelsea switch ended in disappointment.

The victory moved the Black and Yellows six points clear of third-placed Red Bulls, consolidating another Champions League berth. However, the latter still haven’t, and need a victory on the final matchday away at Augsburg to secure the same.

Let’s delve into the major talking points from the match:

Top billing clash turns out damp squib

Even though the Bundesliga title race was over last weekend, this was still supposed to be an exhilarating and high octane action between two ultra-offensive sides. With a combined 161 goals amassed between them this season, you’d be excused to have expected a goalfest here, but its also plausible if you were eventually left disappointed.

Goals were difficult to source as chances were at a premium, especially from Leipzig who were uncharacteristically wayward. Dortmund were in cruise control for most of the game and even created quite a few opportunities on the break, but the end-product left a lot to be desired.

What was supposed to set sparks fly, ended up like a damp firecracker.

Haaland is still rough around the edges

Though not a complete disappointment, but Erling Haaland hasn’t appeared even remotely as sharp and relentless after the shutdown as he was before. Before the kick-off, the 19-year old ace had scored only twice since the restart, so the brace today must have cut him some slack. However, it could’ve easily been more.

https://twitter.com/BlackYellow/status/1274369161402122242

He had two attempts at goal inside opening 20 minutes saved by Peter Gulacsi, whilst his effort right after the break was off the bar. With a little more precision and cutting edge, a hat-trick was well within reach.

The ex-Salzburg star still has one more game to add to his tally, and a few more goals would further gloss over his post-lockdown rust.

Reyna gives a peek into the ‘American dream’

Borussia Dortmund are packed to the rafters with some of the most promising young guns, none more so than Giovanni Reyna.

His numbers may not be as glittering as that of Haaland or Jadon Sancho, but packed a punch in this game and also assisted the former with a deft, nonchalant first-touch inside the box.

He was a thorn in Leipzig’s flesh with buccaneering runs, completing 80% of his dribbles and also attempted three offensive tackles, winning all three. Haaland was effusive in his praise of Reyna after the match, and their exciting partnership means the fans are eagerly looking forward to the next season already.

What are your thoughts on the game?