In the Champions League match that concluded on January 22nd, Beijing time, Bologna pulled off a surprising victory over Borussia Dortmund at home. Girassi scored first for Dortmund, while Darinjia and Ilin's goals helped Bologna turn the game around. Bologna secured their first win of the season in the Champions League, their second in history, but unfortunately were eliminated. Meanwhile, the Yellow Bees of Dortmund are facing serious challenges. Dortmund made a mistake by trusting Sahin and letting go of their defensive core for free, now suffering four consecutive losses and ranking 13th in the Champions League.
In the 15th minute of the game, Bologna player Holm committed a foul, and Girassi converted the penalty with a Panenka-style chip shot, giving Dortmund the lead away from home. In the 71st minute, Bologna executed a fine combination play, with a long pass from the backline piercing through Dortmund's defense. Jens Odegaard crossed the ball to the front of the goal, and Darinjia pounced to equalize the score. Bologna pressed their advantage, and just one minute later, Ilin scored the decisive goal with a rebound.
Bologna had 17 shots in this game, while Dortmund only managed three attempts on goal; it would have been strange if Dortmund had won. After changing coaches, Dortmund has struggled under Sahin's leadership this season, with a record of 12 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses, a win rate of 46.1%. They have lost their last four matches and currently sit 13th in the Champions League and 10th in the Bundesliga. Last season, Dortmund finished as runners-up in the Champions League and fifth in the Bundesliga under Terzic's coaching, with a win rate of 57.2%. Since Sahin's arrival, Dortmund has visibly weakened.
At only 36 years old, Sahin is clearly not mature enough in his role as head coach. Prior to taking charge of Dortmund, he served as an assistant coach under Terzic for only half a year, which is the extent of Sahin's coaching career. Sahin's coaching experience is severely lacking, and it was a gamble for Dortmund's management to entrust him with leading the team. Sahin lacks the abilities and fortune of Zidane, and under his guidance, Dortmund has become mediocre.
Dortmund's decision not to renew the contract of their meritorious player Hummels was also a mistake. Although Hummels is getting older, his form remains top-notch. Last season, Dortmund reached the Champions League final, where Hummels played a crucial role, averaging 4.08 tackles, 1.92 interceptions, and 5.08 clearances per game in the Champions League, topping the charts for tackles, interceptions, and clearances. He also scored one goal and provided one assist in the knockout stages.
Hummels had a phenomenal performance last season, yet Dortmund allowed him to leave as a free agent. Roma signed Hummels on a free transfer, and in the nearly seven games the 36-year-old German central defender has played for Roma, they have remained unbeaten with five wins and two draws. Roma's recent resurgence is largely attributed to Coach Ranieri's use of Hummels. Hummels is superior to Dortmund's central defenders Schlotterbeck, Anton, and Jule, and Dortmund has paid a price for letting him go.