Mats Hummels is the most relieved man in Dortmund after Robert Lewandowski bailed the centre back out against Ajax. Facing the Eredivisie side at home, Borussia Dortmund were supposed to be clear winners in what looked like their easiest match of UEFA Champions League Group D, but the Dutch champions had other ideas, giving BVB more than a few scares. Ultimately, though, BVB were too much for their guests, a last-gasp strike by Lewandowski sealing a vital three points.
Borussia Dortmund Vs. Ajax, UEFA Champions League: Final Score 1-0, Lewandowski Saves Day For BVB
It was never clear which way the match was going to go. Although Dortmund were clearly the better side, Ajax had long periods where they were the ones applying the pressure, forcing Roman Weidenfeller into some nice saves (and a bizarre walkabout). At the other end of the pitch, the hosts were very, very wasteful, finding the target with just seven of their 23 attempts.
At times, the match seemed destined to end in a 0-0 draw. Hummels had a huge chance to put BVB in the lead in the 58th minute when Mario Goetze earned a (very soft penalty) after going over Ricardo van Rihjn’s leg, but the defender’s weak effort was well saved by Kenneth Vermeer. For much of the game, Lewandowski wasn’t any better, missing with several key chances.
But then, in the 87th minute, the Polish striker was able to find space in the box and slot home, giving Dortmund three huge points. It’s not exactly a perfect start, considering the performance, but Jurgen Klopp will certainly take it.
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