Is This the End for Şahin? Borussia Dortmund Fall to Bologna Ahead of Shakhtar Clash
Bologna secured a historic first-ever UEFA Champions League victory, turning their home match against Borussia Dortmund on its head in just 60 seconds of brilliance. Despite trailing from the 15th minute after a penalty converted by Serhou Guirassy, the Italian side staged an incredible comeback in the second half.
The hero of the night for Bologna was Dutch forward Thijs Dallinga, who first tapped in a low cross from Jens Odgaard to level the score. Just moments later, Dallinga's shot was parried by Dortmund's keeper, but his teammate Samuel Iling was quick to react, slotting the ball into the net to give Bologna a 2-1 lead.
Up until the equalizer, Borussia had dominated possession and controlled the tempo of the game. However, the sudden turnaround left them shell-shocked, and they never truly recovered. In fact, they were fortunate not to concede further, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
The 2-1 defeat marks another setback for Dortmund in what has been a turbulent season under head coach Nuri Şahin. Speculation is already mounting that the former club legend could face dismissal after this latest disappointment.
Next up for Borussia Dortmund is a crucial Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk on January 29, a match that could define their European campaign—and potentially Şahin's future at the club.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
Bologna - Borussia D 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: Guirassy, 15 (penalty) (0:1); Dallinga, 71 (1:1); Iling, 72 (2:1)
Bologna: Skorupski; Holm E.; Lykogiannis; Lucumí (Casale, 63); Beukema; Freuler (Odgaard, 46); Pobega (Moro N., 87); Ferguson L.; Orsolini (Iling, 35); Castro S. (Dallinga, 64); Ndoye D.
Substitution: Erlic (from 35)
Bench: Bagnolini N.; Ravaglia F.; Posch; Juan Miranda; Fabbian; Urbanski K.
Yellow Cards: Holm E. 14; Freuler 20; Lucumí 60; Ferguson L. 90
Borussia D: Kobel; Anton; Schlotterbeck N.; Ryerson; Reyna G. (till 64); Nmecha F.; Groß (Couto, 75); Bynoe-Gittens; Duranville (Can E., 64); Guirassy (Brandt, 75); Beier M.
Substitution: Adeyemi K. (from 64)
Bench: Meyer A.; Lotka; Мане Ф.; Kabar; Sabitzer; Wätjen; Azhil; Campbell C.
Yellow Cards: Beier M. 62; Brandt 81; Couto 82; Adeyemi K. 84; Ryerson 90
