Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Late Rally Seals Pre-Season Win
Fortuna Düsseldorf came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a pre-season friendly; Mathis Albert, Fabian Schleusener and Anas Slimani scored.
Fortuna Düsseldorf delivered a spirited comeback to defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at home on Saturday, turning a tight contest into a morale-boosting victory ahead of the new season. The result, decided in the second half, saw Düsseldorf overturn an early advantage to claim the win in front of their supporters. Dortmund used the match as part of an extended pre-season programme before travelling to Japan, while Düsseldorf continue their preparations for the 3. Liga campaign starting in August.
Opening goal by Mathis Albert gives Dortmund early lead
Mathis Albert put Dortmund ahead just before half-time after controlling a long ball from Alexander Meyer, producing a composed finish to send the visitors in front. The goal was the only score of the first half and highlighted Dortmund’s ability to create chances from transitional play. Meyer, entrusted with a leadership role earlier in pre-season, played a key part with the long delivery that set up Albert’s strike.
The remainder of the opening 45 minutes saw both sides experiment with personnel and formations as managers monitored fitness and combinations. Serhou Guirassy wore the captain’s armband for Dortmund in the first half, while Takato Yamamoto continued his development in a deeper midfield position at just 18 years old. The period closed on a note of concern for Dortmund as Luxembourg international Enzo Duarte left the field at the stroke of half-time with an injury.
Düsseldorf turnaround driven by Schleusener and Slimani
Düsseldorf found their rhythm after the break, scoring twice to secure the victory through new signing Fabian Schleusener and 19-year-old Anas Slimani. Schleusener’s contribution underlined his immediate impact for the club, while Slimani’s second goal showcased Düsseldorf’s youth pipeline and attacking depth. The two strikes changed the complexion of the match and gave the home crowd a memorable finish.
Tactical adjustments at half-time allowed Düsseldorf to press more aggressively and exploit spaces behind Dortmund’s lines, forcing the visiting coach to reshuffle his squad. The momentum shift was clear as Düsseldorf combined greater intensity with sharper decisions in the final third. For a club preparing for the 3. Liga opener on August 7, the second-half performance provided positive takeaways.
Kovac rotates heavily as Dortmund fine-tune ahead of Japan trip
Niko Kovac used 23 players across the match as Dortmund continued to fine-tune ahead of an overseas tour to Japan, where they will play two friendlies and compete in the Emirates Cup. The extensive rotation reflected Kovac’s desire to assess fitness and match sharpness across his entire squad before competitive fixtures begin. The friendly offered a final domestic run-out for the Black and Yellows prior to travel and gave minutes to a broad group of players.
Substitutions altered the flow of the contest, with the early introduction of Jobe Bellingham notable after Duarte’s injury. The coaching staff prioritized player management over results, ensuring key figures returned to full fitness and younger prospects gained valuable experience. The match served its purpose as a preparatory exercise, even if Dortmund left without the desired result.
Individual performances and injury concerns from both sides
Several individual displays stood out in a game that blended tactical experimentation with competitive edge. Mathis Albert’s first-half finish revealed his composure in the box, while Schleusener’s goal underlined his finishing quality and suitability for Düsseldorf’s attacking patterns. Anas Slimani’s late contribution was a reminder of the club’s ability to promote and trust young talent in significant moments.
Injury issues cast a shadow on Dortmund’s afternoon, with Enzo Duarte forced off at half-time and requiring assessment ahead of the Japan trip. The precautionary handling of several players reflected both clubs’ focus on the broader season ahead rather than isolated match outcomes. Düsseldorf will also take stock of fitness levels as they prepare for the opening 3. Liga fixture against Waldhof Mannheim on August 7.
Tactical takeaways for coaches and formation experiments
The encounter offered a window into both managers’ plans for the upcoming season, with clear experimentation in formation and personnel. Düsseldorf adopted a proactive second-half approach that combined pressing triggers with quick vertical transitions to unsettle Dortmund. The changes produced goals and point to a tactical flexibility that could serve them well in the 3. Liga campaign.
Dortmund’s rotation aimed at balancing match minutes across the squad, with the coaching team prioritizing evaluation over rigid tactical continuity. That approach revealed depth but also exposed vulnerabilities when combinations were untested. Both sides will use the match footage and statistical data to refine patterns of play before competitive action resumes.
Fixture implications and next steps for both clubs
For Fortuna Düsseldorf, the victory arrives at an important moment as the club finalizes preparations for the 3. Liga season opener away to Waldhof Mannheim on August 7. The result should boost confidence while highlighting areas for refinement, particularly in defensive organisation during transitions. The coaching staff will now focus on converting pre-season momentum into consistent performances once the league campaign begins.
Borussia Dortmund depart for Japan with lessons to carry into their tour and the Emirates Cup, followed by the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup against FC Bayern in their competitive opener. The trip will provide further opportunities to solidify squad chemistry and address the injury issues that emerged on Saturday. Kovac and his staff face a condensed period of evaluation before the calendar turns to official competitions.
The friendly ended as a useful barometer for both clubs: Düsseldorf left with belief from a late comeback, while Dortmund gained minutes and information despite the loss. Coaches, sporting directors and medical teams will now refine plans over the next fortnight as preparations intensify ahead of the new season.
Fortuna Düsseldorf’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund will be remembered by the home crowd as a spirited pre-season statement, and both teams will carry different but actionable takeaways into the weeks before competitive football returns.
