BVB Secures Victory with Late Substitute Spark Against VfB Stuttgart

Maximilian Beier, overlooked by national coach Jürgen Klopp, scored the decisive goal for BVB in their 1-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart. His strike, seven minutes after entering the match, was pivotal. Two substitutes were instrumental in this win. Here are the player ratings and individual reviews.

The match remained largely uneventful until Maximilian Beier netted the goal in the 70th minute, following an assist from substitute Jobe Bellingham. Konstantinos Karetsas, who recently recovered from a circulatory collapse in the Champions League, also played a key role, celebrating his comeback ten days later.

Both BVB and VfB struggled to gain an advantage for a significant period. Dortmund initially controlled possession, but Stuttgart created more chances in the box, partly due to defensive errors from Dortmund. Stuttgart, facing their third loss in four Bundesliga matches, finds themselves in a definite crisis.

Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings vs. VfB Stuttgart

Gregor Kobel

Had no issues with Stuttgart's early attempts, including Ermedin Demirovic's first shot in the 16th minute, and similarly few with other Stuttgart efforts. Rating: 3

Joane Gadou

His build-up error led to Demirovic's first scoring chance in the 16th minute. Deniz Undav's opportunity in the 30th minute also stemmed from a poor pass by Gadou. However, in first-half stoppage time, he made a crucial tackle to dispossess Demirovic after another defensive mistake. He recorded an impressive 36 sprints, showing both strong and weak moments. Rating: 4

Waldemar Anton

Greeted with whistles from the VfB fans at his former ground with every touch. His frequent involvement meant the stadium was often loud. He remained composed, delivering a strong performance. Rating: 2

Nico Schlotterbeck

The captain, one of the few BVB players selected for upcoming national team matches by Jürgen Klopp, started again after recovering from injury. He could have headed in the 1-0 from a Joey Veerman cross in the 18th minute. He received an unnecessary yellow card in the 30th minute for a rash challenge on Demirovic but played cautiously thereafter. Rating: 2.5

Julian Ryerson

Drew the ire of the Stuttgart fans after a forceful collision with VfB keeper Fabian Bredlow in the 12th minute. His play showed some inaccuracies but also included effective crosses. He was commendable in his fighting spirit. Rating: 3

Joey Veerman

The Dutchman, recently recalled to the national team after a strong start at BVB, struggled to dictate his team's play as usual. He sent a free-kick from a promising position over the bar. He showed frustration towards the end of the first half after a misplaced pass from Ryerson. Later, he delivered an inaccurate half-field pass behind the advancing Guirassy, for which he apologized. He was substituted around the hour mark after his weakest performance for BVB. Rating: 4

Felix Nmecha

Showed good recovery in the 17th minute, regaining possession after a rare technical error and immediately driving forward. His marker, Angelo Stiller, resorted to a foul, earning a yellow card. This happened immediately after Nmecha's potential turnover. He displayed quick thinking. Rating: 2.5

Daniel Svensson

Was on the ball less often than Ryerson on the opposite flank and completed fewer passes. He was less involved in the game and barely noticeable. Rating: 4

Ethan Nwaneri

Struggled to get into the game but rapidly advanced the ball after Maxi Beier's recovery at the start of the second half. His pace led to Serhou Guirassy being caught offside, forcing Nwaneri to shoot over the bar. He was substituted for Konstantinos Karetsas in the 62nd minute. Rating: 4

Maximilian Beier

Was Dortmund's most active player in the first half. In the 4th minute, he could have headed in a cross from Ryerson for the opener but lacked power under pressure. He won the ball strongly in midfield in the 49th minute, but Nwaneri failed to capitalize. He then made a clever run to score the crucial 1-0 from Jobe Bellingham's assist. He responded well to not being selected for the national team. Rating: 2

Serhou Guirassy

The forward was frequently sought out by Ryerson and often found. However, he rarely managed to convert these opportunities. He faced robust challenges from Stuttgart's defenders. Rating: 4

Substitutes

Jobe Bellingham: Came on around the hour mark for Veerman. Initially fumbled the ball near the Stuttgart goal line but then provided a precise assist for Beier's 1-0 goal. Made an excellent recovery and a skillful solo run in the 72nd minute, though perhaps should have shot himself instead of passing to Karetsas. He injected significant energy into the game for several minutes, though he faded towards the end. Rating: 2

Konstantinos Karetsas: Celebrated his return ten days after his Champions League collapse, coming on for Nwaneri in the 62nd minute. Within four minutes, he had a good idea, setting up Bellingham, who carried the ball out of bounds. He then registered BVB's first shot on target and passed to Bellingham, who assisted Beier for the opening goal. He missed a chance to double the lead after Bellingham's pass. Karetsas's substitutions proved decisive, providing energy to the team, at least until the goal. Rating: 2.5

Fabio Silva: Replaced Guirassy in the 74th minute. He took a shot but couldn't provide a further energy boost to the game, though BVB already had the lead. Rating: 3.5

Ramy Bensebaini: Came on for Ryerson in the 82nd minute. No rating.

Marcel Sabitzer: Substituted the goalscorer Beier in the 82nd minute to help secure the narrow victory. Rating: No evaluation.