On September 18, 2012, Borussia Dortmund faced Ajax in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League Group D at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. Dortmund secured a 1-0 victory in a tightly contested match, kicking off their Champions League campaign with three points.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Borussia Dortmund: 1 (Robert Lewandowski 87′)
- Ajax: 0
- Possession:
- Borussia Dortmund had 56% possession, while Ajax had 44%. Dortmund’s ability to control the ball, particularly in the second half, allowed them to create more scoring opportunities as they pressed for a late winner.
- Shots:
- Borussia Dortmund registered 16 shots, with 5 on target, indicating their attacking intent throughout the match. Ajax managed 7 shots, with 3 on target, but they struggled to break down Dortmund’s defense and create clear-cut chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Borussia Dortmund had a passing accuracy of 80%, completing 390 passes out of 488 attempts. Ajax had a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 299 passes out of 388 attempts. Dortmund’s superior passing helped them maintain pressure on Ajax, especially in the latter stages of the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Borussia Dortmund made 20 tackles compared to Ajax’s 17, showing their commitment to regaining possession and disrupting Ajax’s play. Dortmund’s defense, led by Mats Hummels and Neven Subotić, was effective in neutralizing Ajax’s attacking threats.
- Set Pieces:
- Borussia Dortmund’s only goal came from open play. In the 87th minute, Robert Lewandowski scored the decisive goal, finishing from close range after a well-worked move involving Mario Götze. Dortmund had several set-piece opportunities, but Ajax’s defense managed to clear most of the danger.
- Individual Performances:
- Robert Lewandowski was the standout performer for Borussia Dortmund, scoring the winning goal and consistently troubling Ajax’s defense with his movement and physical presence. Mario Götze played a key role in the build-up to the goal, providing the assist. For Ajax, goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer was crucial in keeping his team in the game, making several important saves to deny Dortmund until the late goal.
- Tactical Overview:
- Borussia Dortmund, managed by Jürgen Klopp, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. Ajax, under Frank de Boer, also employed a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and a patient build-up. Dortmund’s pressing and ability to win the ball high up the pitch were key factors in their victory, especially as they pushed for a late winner.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for Ajax (Toby Alderweireld 30′, Lasse Schöne 45′, Christian Eriksen 65′). The fouls were mainly tactical, aimed at breaking up Dortmund’s play and preventing further chances.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Borussia Dortmund won 7 corners compared to Ajax’s 2, reflecting their sustained pressure in the final third. Dortmund were caught offside three times, while Ajax had one offside call, showing both teams’ attempts to push forward and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over Ajax in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League Group D was a hard-earned result that highlighted the resilience and quality of Jürgen Klopp’s side. Despite being held at bay for much of the match by a disciplined Ajax defense and an impressive performance from goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer, Dortmund’s persistence paid off late in the game.
Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the 87th minute was the difference between the two sides, as Dortmund capitalized on a well-executed attacking move to secure all three points. Mario Götze’s contribution in the build-up to the goal was also crucial, as his vision and composure helped unlock Ajax’s defense.
For Ajax, the defeat was a setback, but their disciplined performance and ability to frustrate Dortmund for most of the match were positives they could take forward in the group stage. However, they struggled to create significant chances against a well-organized Dortmund defense.
The win was an important start for Borussia Dortmund in what was dubbed the “Group of Death,” featuring Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Ajax. The result gave them confidence and momentum as they aimed to progress from a challenging group and make a deep run in the Champions League.
