BVB youngsters make dream start in Premier League International Cup

For the match against Fulham FC’s youth side, coach Daniel Rios named a squad made up primarily of U23 players. Luke Fahrenhorst and Jan-Luca Riedl travelled to London from the U19s. Mathis Albert, Kaua Prates, Luca Reggiani and Justin Lerma also completed the team as a quartet with first-team experience.

Just four minutes in, the Borussia youngsters threatened the home side’s goal for the first time. However, the opening goal of the game came almost immediately at the other end. Following a Fulham corner that found striker Jose Sani at the near post, Silas Ostrzinski was beaten for the first time (5). After that wake-up call, BVB gradually took control, though they initially struggled in possession to break down the deep-lying hosts.

The direction of the game had now been set. While Fulham found it increasingly difficult to get into dangerous areas, BVB’s youngsters did better: a fine long pass from Mathis Albert was finished by Fadi Zarqelain in the 25th minute for a deserved equaliser. Just 180 seconds later, the lively Albert got on the scoresheet himself, gratefully accepting an English defensive error and placing the ball into the net from around 17 metres. The visitors went into the break 2-1 up.

The pattern remained unchanged after half-time: Daniel Rios’ side immediately pushed for a third goal, and it did not take long to arrive. Jesper Verlaat headed home a corner from Takato Yamamoto (52). Five minutes later, Justin Lerma made it 4-1 for the Black & Yellows with a brilliant solo effort, before having to leave the pitch with a knock.

Right up until the closing minutes, the title holders created further chances through captain Azhil (82), Degener (90+1) and Ngambia (90+5); in between, Ostrzinski safely dealt with a Fulham opportunity. Thanks to this mature display after going behind early, Borussia’s youngsters can celebrate their first three points in the Premier League International Cup!

Daniel Rios (Head Coach): “Overall, it was a deserved win for us, not least because the team responded well after going behind early and turned the game around. We controlled the match for 90 minutes and created lots of chances. I’m pleased that, in this line-up, we produced such a great performance against Fulham.”

Borussia Dortmund’s U19s will face Rot-Weiss Essen on 5 September in the DFB youth round (11:00, training ground in Brackel). The U23s are away to VfB Hilden in the Regionalliga West next Saturday (29 August, 14:00). BVB’s youngsters will not return to Premier League International Cup action until 15 December, when Aston Villa will be their second group-stage opponents.

BVB youngsters: Ostrzinski – Verlaat (58. Fahrenhorst), Azhil, Wüstenhagen (63. Krempicki), Riedl, Zarqelain (74. Ngambia), Lerma (63. Degener), Albert (74. Wessels), Prates, Yamamoto, Reggiani

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.