960 spectators watched an unlucky Dortmund U23s side against TSV 1860 München on matchday 19 of the third division at Stadion Rote Erde. The guests only needed a few good plays to score twice. Despite the 2-0 defeat, the Black & Yellows remain eighth in the table.

The opponents: The side from München had only won one away game this season before kick-off and had lost twice recently (against Mannheim and Magdeburg). Coach Michael Köllner's eleven were 12th in the third division. The gap to the Black & Yellows was four points, with the promotion places nine points away. 

Personnel matters: BVB coach Enrico Maaßen made three changes to his starting eleven that won 3-0 away to Verl.  Marco Hober, Tobi Raschl, and Ole Pohlmann replaced Niklas Dams, Ansgar Knauff, and Antonios Papadopoulos. 

The match and analysis: Borussia Dortmund started the game with a lot of pace. After just four minutes, away goalkeeper Marco Hiller had already made two saves to deny Immanuel Pherai and Berkan Taz to prevent an early deficit. After an attacking opening period, BVB adjusted their game plan towards keeping possession and controlling the game. The München lions bode their time and looked to hit Dortmund on the counter. Fabian Greilinger then nearly struck the guests into the lead after twenty minutes.

Stefan Lex was more precise five minutes later, with the experienced centre forward heading home a cross to make it 1-0 to the lions. But BVB weren't put off by this goal and had the next best chance through Berkan Taz in the 37th minute. Once again, however, goalkeeper Marco Hiller prevented the equaliser. Dortmund trailed at half-time through the narrow deficit.

BVB coach Enrico Maaßen made three changes at the start of the second half. Cebrail Makreckis, Timo Bornemann, and Haymenn Bah-Traore replaced Ole Pohlmann, Marco Hober, and Soumaila Coulibaly. Two minutes after the restart, Berkan Taz's freekick from 20 metres hit the side netting. Goalkeeper Hiller would have stood no chance.  

At the other end, the visitors were then awarded a corner kick, with Marcel Bär heading it in to make it 2-0. The Black & Yellows then pushed forward even more, and they still even had more possession, but Enrico Maaßen's side lacked the decisive pass in front of goal. Ultimately, BVB ran out of time. 1860 defended compactly in front of their box and continuously broke up attacks.  

In the end, Dortmund couldn't do enough to convert when going forward, and Richmond Tachie was then sent off in the 89th minute. The game was decided.

After three games without defeat, BVB lost 2-0 to end the first half of the season. 

BVB U23s: Drljaca – Maloney, Coulibaly (46. Bah-Traore), Hober (46. Bornemann), Taz, Tachie, Pohlmann (46. Makreckis), Viet, Pfanne, Pherai, Raschl (77. Tattermusch)

Goals: 0-1 Lex (25.), 0-2 Bär (49.)

Further comments: Red card for Richmond Tachie for foul play (89.).

So it continues: The final game of 2021 will take place next Saturday. The U23s will host FSV Zwickau to begin the second half of the season. Kick-off is at 14:00 CET at Stadion Rote Erde.