On September 14, 2013, Borussia Dortmund faced Hamburger SV (HSV) in a Bundesliga match at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. The match was an exciting encounter, but Borussia Dortmund ultimately fell to a surprising 4-1 defeat, marking one of the few setbacks in their otherwise strong season.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Borussia Dortmund: 2 (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 19′, Robert Lewandowski 26′)
- Hamburger SV: 4 (Zhi-Gin Lam 26′, Heiko Westermann 49′, Son Heung-min 59′, Robert Tesche 81′)
- Possession:
- Borussia Dortmund had 58% possession, while Hamburger SV had 42%. Despite Dortmund’s control of the ball, HSV capitalized on their opportunities with clinical finishing.
- Shots:
- Borussia Dortmund registered 16 shots, with 7 on target, showcasing their attacking intent. However, Hamburger SV managed 11 shots, with 6 on target, making the most of their chances in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Borussia Dortmund had a passing accuracy of 84%, completing 493 passes out of 585 attempts. Hamburger SV had a passing accuracy of 76%, completing 300 passes out of 395 attempts. Dortmund’s superior passing numbers did not translate into goals, as HSV’s defense and counter-attacking strategy proved effective.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Borussia Dortmund made 12 tackles compared to Hamburger SV’s 21, as HSV worked hard to disrupt Dortmund’s play and regain possession. HSV’s defense, led by Heiko Westermann, was solid in dealing with Dortmund’s attacking threats.
- Set Pieces:
- Borussia Dortmund’s goals came from open play, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opening the scoring in the 19th minute after a quick counter-attack. Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead in the 26th minute. However, HSV quickly responded with Zhi-Gin Lam pulling one back just before the break. Heiko Westermann’s header from a corner in the 49th minute leveled the score, and Son Heung-min’s superb strike from outside the box in the 59th minute put HSV ahead. Robert Tesche added a fourth goal in the 81st minute, sealing an unexpected victory for HSV.
- Individual Performances:
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski were key performers for Borussia Dortmund, each scoring a goal. However, their efforts were overshadowed by HSV’s clinical finishing and disciplined defense. For HSV, Heiko Westermann was instrumental, scoring a crucial equalizer and leading the defense, while Son Heung-min and Robert Tesche also stood out with their goals and overall play.
- Tactical Overview:
- Borussia Dortmund, managed by Jürgen Klopp, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. Hamburger SV, under Thorsten Fink, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation as well, but with a focus on defensive organization and counter-attacks. HSV’s tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on Dortmund’s defensive lapses were key to their success.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team. Borussia Dortmund’s Marcel Schmelzer and Nuri Şahin were booked for tactical fouls, while HSV’s Milan Badelj and Rafael van der Vaart received yellow cards for similar offenses.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Borussia Dortmund won 6 corners compared to Hamburger SV’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage and continuous pressure in the final third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to break through the opposition’s defensive lines.
Summary
Borussia Dortmund’s 4-1 defeat to Hamburger SV was a surprising and disappointing result, especially given their strong start to the Bundesliga season. Despite taking an early lead through goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski, Dortmund were unable to maintain their advantage as HSV mounted an impressive comeback.
Hamburger SV’s ability to capitalize on Dortmund’s defensive lapses, combined with their clinical finishing, proved decisive. The result highlighted some vulnerabilities in Dortmund’s defense, which HSV exploited effectively, particularly in the second half.
For Borussia Dortmund, the match was a setback in their pursuit of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table. It served as a reminder of the need for consistency and defensive solidity, even when dominating possession and creating chances.
Hamburger SV’s victory was a significant boost for the team, showing their ability to compete against one of the top sides in the league. The win also provided HSV with much-needed confidence as they looked to improve their standing in the Bundesliga.
The match is remembered for HSV’s unexpected and impressive performance, which saw them overturn a two-goal deficit and secure a memorable victory against a strong Dortmund side.
