Substitute Malen’s late strike sends Dortmund past Sturm Graz

Dortmund (Germany) (AFP) – Donyell Malen came off the bench to score the only goal as Borussia Dortmund secured a 1-0 home win over Sturm Graz in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Released: 05/11/2024 – 23:28

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A visibly tired Dortmund side, with a growing list of injuries, were without eight of their starting XI and only one senior professional, Malen, on the bench.

Malen struck five minutes later after intercepting the ball as Graz played in at the back, linking up with Serou Guirassi to give Dortmund a third win in four Champions League games.

“We didn’t concede anything the whole game, had a lot of chances and scored a very late goal at the end,” Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck said.

“It doesn’t matter to me how we got the three points – we finally kept a clean sheet, I’m very pleased.”

Despite playing a week after extra-time in the German Cup loss to Wolfsburg and three days after a hard-fought home win over RB Leipzig, Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin was forced to name an unchanged squad.

Last season’s Champions League runners-up dominated possession but failed to take advantage of the difference in class with their Austrian opponents.

Graz’s 2.06m goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen impressed, especially in the first half when he saved shots from Marcel Sabitzer and Maximilian Bayer.

With just a minute left in the first half and Sherpen’s defeat, Graz captain Otar Kiteishvili saved the goal, clearing Bayer’s shot off the line.

The hosts continued to set up camp near Graz’s penalty area, but lost interest as the game progressed, with Sahin bringing Malen off the bench.

Within minutes of coming on the pitch, the Dutchman’s freshness was noticeable and he proved the difference by giving Dortmund the lead in the final minutes.

Dortmund are fourth in the 36-team Champions League table, with Graz still without points after four matches.