Borussia Dortmund substitute Donyell Malen scored a decisive 85th-minute goal to give his side a 1-0 Champions League victory over Sturm Graz on Tuesday, marking their third win in four matches. Malen, who has had limited playing time this season amid speculation about his future at the club, came on in the 67th minute and capitalized on a mistake in Sturm’s half, exchanging a quick one-two with Serhou Guirassy before slotting home from close range.
The win was crucial for Dortmund, who bounced back from a tough 5-2 loss to Real Madrid in their previous Champions League game. Coach Nuri Sahin praised his team’s control of the match, despite the late goal. “It was a deserved win, even if it came in the last minutes,” he said. “We stayed patient, and we have nine points now, which is what we wanted.”
Dortmund, who now sit fourth in the standings, dominated much of the possession and created several first-half chances, with Guirassy narrowly missing an early opportunity. Sturm Graz, winless in all four of their Champions League matches, showed promise on the counterattack and nearly scored through Mika Biereth’s header in the 71st minute.
Despite injuries to key players, Dortmund have won two consecutive matches, including a recent Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig, recovering from their German Cup exit to Wolfsburg. Sturm Graz, frustrated by missed opportunities, remain at the bottom of the league phase without a point.
This Champions League season features a league format where 36 teams compete for eight direct qualification spots to the next round, with the next 16 teams entering a two-legged playoff. Dortmund’s next Champions League fixture will be against Dinamo Zagreb on November 27.
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