"It was an unfortunate scheduling decision for us. We wanted to take no risks with Thursday in mind and share out playing time. In the end, I have to take responsibility for the defeat because of the many changes," said coach Mike Tullberg, who was highly satisfied with how the first hour went: "We put in a really good display against a strong opponent and deserved to be leading at half-time."

Tullberg used the opportunity to conduct several tactical and personnel experiments. After all, he will have to do without one of his most important players in the final of the German A-Junior Championship against TSG Hoffenheim in Oberhausen next Thursday (15:30 CEST): Rafael Lubach is suspended for the Championship final following his yellow card in the 2-2 draw in the second leg in Berlin. Tullberg is now looking for the best partner for Kjell Wätjen, who – like Filippo Mane – was not even on the squad list today.

U17 player Taycan Ectibasi stood out in attack not only due to his goal following Lubach's free-kick (31). The former Schalke player was also denied in the second half by the strong reactions of goalkeeper Faaris Yusufu following an assist from substitute Paris Brunner (71). In the opening period, Charles Herrmann had shown some highly-promising signs in attacking midfield. Paris Brunner operated down the right flank in the second period, while Ousmane Diallo stormed down the left wing throughout the entire match. In the closing stages, a strike from Nedzhib Hadzh and a Dortmund own goal sealed Schalke's qualification for the semi-finals. Charles Herrmann and Rafael Lubach had earlier hit the woodwork from free-kicks.

"We came through it without getting any injuries. That's the most important thing, now we'll get to work on the details," explained Mike Tullberg. Meanwhile, their final opponents TSG Hoffenheim celebrated their first title, beating SC Freiburg 3-2 after extra-time in the DFB Junior Club Cup final in Potsdam.

BVB: Lisewski – Posadas (Benkara, 46), Meiser, Adamczyk (Kabar, 46) Korzynietz – Lubach, Krevsun (Onofrietti, 46)  – Campbell (Brunner, 46), Etcibasi (Ubani, 74), Diallo.

(wiwi)