"We weren't able to find our way into the game from the first whistle. If you want to manage to take something from an opponent like that, then you have to play to your limits. As a team, we failed to do so today," was head coach Julian Schuster's assessment after the match. He then referenced a scene from midway through the first half, where SC had multiple opportunities to level the score. "We had three clear-cut chances in a matter of seconds – that could have really helped us," he said.

SC made two changes to their starting line-up following the 0-0 draw in Köpenick prior to the international break. Lucas Höler and Nicolas Höfler started in place of Junior Adamu (bench) and Eren Dinkci (knock). It was Höfler's second start of the season, having extended his contract with the club earlier this week.

Dortmund were without top goalscorer Serhou Guirassy due to illness, as Donyell Malen replaced him in the line up. Waldemar Anton also came in for the suspended Emre Can, as Ramy Bensebaini replaced Pascal Groß. Alexander Meyer ceded his spot in goal to usual first-choice Gregor Kobel, as he made his return from a hip issue.

Early setback in Dortmund

SC have often struggled away at BVB, with their only win in Dortmund coming back in October 2001. It didn't take long for the hosts to put themselves on course for victory this time around either, as Bensebaini picked out Maximilian Beier with a pass in the seventh minute. The striker did well to control the ball at pace and slotted home the opener past Noah Atubolu (7').

Schuster's side recovered well from the early setback and managed to work the ball up the pitch steadily in the minutes that followed. However, they struggled to break into the final third and pose any real problems for Kobel and his backline.

The 24th minute saw Ritsu Doan intercept a clearance from Kobel and pick out Vincenzo Grifo in a bit of space around the box. His shot was denied by Kobel, before Höler was unfortunate to hit the bar on the rebound from close range. Höler was then able to get to the ball a second time, but his header was kept out by Anton. SC were unable to find an equaliser despite enjoying three excellent chances.

Three minutes later, it was the hosts that would go close at the other end. Matthias Ginter pulled off a goalline clearance to deny a powerful effort from Malen, with Höfler then getting in front of the ball to deny Julian Brandt on the rebound (27').

Nmecha with a precise finish

BVB then doubled their advantage shortly before the break, as Felix Nmecha found himself with enough space and time on the edge of the box to get off a shot. His effort managed to beat Atubolu, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at halftime.

At the start of the second half, Atubolu was able to deny Beier with a strong save, before also being in the right spot to keep out Marcel Sabitzer's long-range effort minutes later (57').

Two goals, two red cards after the break

As the clock continued to count down, it was Borussia who continued to determine the pace of the game. SC were then left to face the final 30 minutes with just 10 men, as Patrick Osterhage was shown two yellows in the span of five minutes, leading to his dismissal (63'). The referee awarded the hosts a free kick on the edge of the box, which was then duly converted by Brandt to increase BVB's lead to 3-0 (66').

SC continued to mount brave attacks of their own, with substitute Adamu coming close to getting them on the board in the 70th minute. Jamie Bynoe Gittens finished from a tight angle in the 77th minute to effectively put the game out of reach for the visitors (77').

Freiburg were then dealt with another setback as Adamu was also sent off for a foul on Anton, with the referee showing him a red card after consulting with VAR.

There would be no further goals at Signal Iduna Park, after an extremely disappointing afternoon for SC. Despite the result, the travelling fans made sure to applaud their team as they exited the pitch. Freiburg will be back in action next Saturday, as they host Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Europa-Park Stadion (15:30 CET). 

Photo: deFodi Images