It was really a critical match for the Black and Yellows. Niko Kovac’s men were three matches without a win and the media was starting to get antsy. Transfer rumors, votes of no confidence…everything we have come to expect. A UCL night would be the perfect opportunity to quiet the chatter.

BVB came out strong against the Yellow Submarine, and mostly stayed that way up until the game was surrendered by the Spanish side. Dortmund threatened consistently through the first half, and right when Villarreal started to turn up the heat toward halftime, Dortmund capitalized on a corner to find the back of the net. It was not without controversy, as Waldemar Anton kinda sorta handled the ball in the build up, but it was also not convincing enough to pull the goal away.

Early in the second half, another handball incident, but this time against Villarreal, and this one counted. Fate is cruel. Juan Foyth marched down the tunnel, and BVB stepped into the driver’s seat. Goals from Guirassy (the penalty post-handball), Adeyemi, and Svensson wrapped up another 4-goal result for BVB in the Champions League.

The match was not only important for the narrative, but it also for some key players. Adeyemi had a great match, winning two penalties for his side, and scoring a goal of his own. Guirassy netted twice, hopefully restoring some of his confidence in front of net. BVB needed a statement win, and Villarreal are no small club. Sitting at a very well earned third place in Spain’s La Liga, Villarreal are breathing down the neck of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Kovac’s men had to earn this victory, and while I acknowledge there was some serious luck at play, BVB still got the job done.

Other Thoughts

• Fabio Silva’s missed penalty is probably the biggest stain on the result. With the rumor mill making Silva the focus of attention this week, a goal and a badge kiss would have done wonders for Silva and for PR. I’m not blaming Silva for failing to score—it just would have been great if he did.
• I already said it but BVB had luck on their side on Tuesday. If the two handball calls go the other way, there’s a very real chance BVB do not walk away as such comfortable winners. Guirassy’s penalty was also really average, and he was lucky to be gifted the rebound.
• Nmecha-Sabitzer is BVB’s best midfield. The balance, progression, and awareness are simply (and unfortunately) not matched by any over duo.
• Aaron Anselmino had another great match. He was composed, aware, and chipped in with an assist. Any chance we can start renegotiating the terms of this loan? BVB are going to get burned on this one.

Leverkusen at the weekend. Have BVB picked up enough momentum to get a result? Let me know in the comments.