Borussia Dortmund lead Schalke 04 by a score of 1-0 at halftime in the Revierderby, but they’ve been much more dominant than that score suggests. Schalke have been poor and Dortmund have had no problem both keeping the ball and stifling Schalke’s limited attacks, despite the injuries to Sven Bender and Neven Subotic. Schalke keeper Lars Unnerstall and defensive midfielder Jermaine Jones have been very good, and are the only reasons Dortmund don’t have more goals.
Borussia Dortmund Vs. Schalke 04, 2011 Bundesliga: Halftime, Der BVB Dominating Revierderby
The goal came on a set piece 16 minutes in, with Marcel Schmeltzer providing a fantastic assist to Robert Lewandowski. Jurgen Klopp's decision to start the Polish international behind Lucas Barrios ahead of Shinji Kagawa was justified immediately, though Kagawa could have scored it as well. Schalke's central defense consists of two defensive midfielder whose combined age is 39. This was painfully obvious watching their marking on the goal.
Mario Götze has been brilliant, while Raul and Klass-Jan Huntelaar might as well not be playing. Their teammates have done very little to help them make an impact on the game. This might be a different match with Benedikt Höwedes and Jefferson Farfan, but without their captain and their right winger, Schalke look lost and completely out-classed.
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