BVB (3 - 2) VFB – 45th Minute
The referee blows the whistle, and the second half starts. Both teams are focused and ready for the battle ahead.
Dortmund starts with their usual passing game—same tactics as the first half. Somehow, though, their style still looks fresh and precise to both the spectators and Stuttgart.
But Stuttgart's approach this time is calmer. They're defending with purpose, unlike the first half.
Their front three press toward Dortmund's defenders who are moving the ball around. They don't press the players directly—they press the channels. They remember what the coach told them during practice earlier this week:
"You don't need to press the player—just press the most threatening space they might pass into, and force them to choose the least favorable option."
They do exactly that, and it forces the center-back to boot the ball forward. Stuttgart's center-backs win it easily over Timo.
A Stuttgart midfielder collects the ball and passes it to another in support. They start a counterattack.
The counter flows down the right side. The ball is passed to Leon, who's now on the right wing. He runs with it down the flank until he slows down, facing the left-back.
The Stuttgart right-back overlaps and sprints toward the byline. Leon slips him the ball and he crosses it into the box. Che is in position, but he's at a physical disadvantage and loses the aerial duel.
Dortmund regain possession quickly and begin passing through the midfield again—starting slow, then picking up the pace. Their usual movements begin to form again.
The passing remains precise, but it doesn't seem as effective on Stuttgart anymore. Still, Dortmund stick to their football.
The midfielder passes to the winger, who makes a sharp run and links up with Timo, who drops deep to support.
Timo collects the ball and passes back to a midfielder near the edge of the box. They move the ball around—looking for an opening, but there's no space like there was earlier.
The ball goes left to the winger, who forces a cross. It's uncomfortable for Timo to reach. Stuttgart's center-back clears it easily.
Dortmund stay on the ball, pushing their defenders higher up the pitch to press. They're trying to suffocate Stuttgart's options.
But Stuttgart's front three press again, aiming to force a pass to the least obvious choice.
The center-back plays the ball to the defensive midfielder, who's already under pressure from a Stuttgart player. The ball is intercepted cleanly and Stuttgart sparks another counterattack.
The midfielder passes to Che, who's running through the middle. Speidel and Leon are wide on either side. Since Che's more to the left, he gives the ball to Speidel, who instantly cuts inside while keeping momentum.
Che moves out wide as they switch positions fluidly. Speidel drives toward the center. Leon begins closing in from the right.
Speidel finds him and passes. Leon cuts in and sees the opening. He shoots from outside the box—with his weaker foot.
The ball knuckles through the air, twisting and wobbling.
BANG.
It slams off the post. A gasp rises from the crowd—many jump to their feet. Leon drops to his knees and covers his face.
"Come on, Leon. Next one!" Speidel shouts.
Stuttgart fires up. Che can feel it—their energy is different now, and his chest warms with pride.
On the sideline, the coach smirks.
"Now that's how we play our football."
Dortmund restart with their usual passing through midfield. Stuttgart stay composed and don't break under pressure.
This time, their midfield holds stronger. They remember what the coach taught them this week:
"Whatever happens in midfield will feel unfamiliar. Stick to the basics. You each have your position and a zone to protect. Stay in it. Protect your zone. Never leave it."
Stuttgart's midfielders begin zonal marking—each one defending a set area of the pitch instead of chasing players.
So even when Dortmund switch their positions, Stuttgart defends only whoever enters their zone.
The coach watches proudly.
"This is what I want. Men who know their identity."
Dortmund now struggling to penetrate through Stuttgart's midfield and they decide to change the approach of playing towards their wingers.
After getting the ball to their winger, the three midfielders follow the ball and they all surround the area where the left back has to defend a winger and three midfielders, who are passing the ball around him.
Speidel tracks back and helps the left back, they both defend against the four players, this drags in both the center back and defensive midfielder to support with the defending.
The patterns suddenly change and they pass the ball to the space behind for Timo, and Timo runs for the through ball.
He is in an awkward position to shoot and the second center back covers the open space, he doesn't slide because he thinks that Timo won't shoot and he'll commit to a fake shot.
Instead Timo forces a shot with no hesitation, from an uncomfortable shooting position and the ball heads for the top corner.
The keeper is unable to stop the ball and it's another goal for Timo that hits the top netting. The Stuttgart center back shouts at the keeper.
But there isn't anything he could do with the power behind that shot.
BVB (4 - 2) VFB – 50th Minute
Scorer: Timo Ransmayr | Assist: Hamzath Mohamadou