Match Report
Diallo scores the only goal as U19s win 1-0
The match lived up to its promise: both teams played with maximum intensity, did not give anything away and pushed each other to their physical limits. BVB suffered two injuries: Tyler Meiser was substituted off on the 28-minute mark with a muscle injury, while Nick Cherny joined him on the sidelines after 74 minutes. Luca Reggiani filled the central defensive vacancy alongside Elias Benkara, with Tim Degener coming in for Nick Cherny. Mike Tullberg had already brought on Taycan Ectibasi in place of Samuele Inacio directly after the interval.
Cole Campbell – who, along with Almugera Kabar, is set to get match practice with the U19s and will also be available for the UEFA Youth League knockout match away to Real Madrid on Wednesday, was largely responsible for the standout moments. The winger embarked upon some impressive dribbling runs down the right flank. "Cole is a difference-maker in attack. The fact that he wasn't able to finish off some nice moves successfully was also down to the difficult pitch conditions," explained Mike Tullberg, before singling out the seriousness and commitment of the young first-team player, who posed a constant threat to KSC with his presence and fast acceleration.
The opening goal in the 32nd minute was not the result of a some fine link-up play, but rather of a confusing situation in the penalty area and a brilliant shot from Ousmane Diallo. "It's a shame that we didn't make better use of one or two counter-attacking opportunities and were too uncomposed in possession," explained Mike Tullberg, who nonetheless praised the team as a collective, saying: "The boys did a great job defensively and defended against the opposition's long balls superbly."
Off to Madrid with a spring in their step
Karlsruhe, who had previously lost only one game in the 2024/25 season, proved to be the awkward opponent that they had been expected to be. With their physical play and aggressive manner of defending on the front foot, they stopped Dortmund's usually fast passages of possession in their tracks. On the other hand, their no-frills attacking play forced the BVB rearguard to be constantly on their guard. "We didn't give away any big chances. The team did really well and deserved to win," said Mike Tullberg.
Borussia will pay a visit to Union Berlin next Sunday. However, the focus is now on the knockout game away to Real Madrid in the UEFA Youth League (Wednesday at 16:00 CET). "The win against a strong Karlsruher SC gives us a good feeling," said Mike Tullberg following the successful dress rehearsal.
U19s: Lisewski – Rashidi, Benkara, Meiser (Reggiani, 28), Kabar – Kaba, Cherny (Degener, 74), Inacio (Etcibasi, 46) – Campbell, Ngambia (Kegni, 74), Diallo (Albert, 58)
(wiwi)