The legendary run is over: after 44 Bundesliga games unbeaten and a 100% record in the 2023/24 season, the Borussia Dortmund U19s were brought back to earth by MSV Duisburg, who ran out 3-1 winners in their encounter with the hotly-tipped Black & Yellows.

BVB suffered a serious loss this week, as captain Filippo Mane suffered a serious knee injury in the 4-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf and will be out of action for a long time. “We can’t replace a top player like him. Filippo is our most important guy,” says coach Mike Tullberg. Tyler Meiser, the 16-year-old centre-back talent who was set to be carefully introduced to the U19s, now has to step up to replace the defensive talisman. Rafael Lubach took the captain’s armband and, to add insult to injury, was shown a red card in the 79th minute for excessive complaining.

The player of the game was Kaan Inanoglu. The striker, who moved to Duisburg from Boston (USA) at the start of the season, scored three goals, the first from a penalty shortly before the half-time whistle, the second in the 56th minute and the third shortly after Rafael Lubach’s goal (69).

BVB had dominated the first half. The Black & Yellows enjoyed a high level of possession against Duisburg’s deep-lying defence and had the first big chance early on, which Danylo Krevsun wasn’t able to capitalise on. MSV goalkeeper Fotios Adamidis had fended off a cross right at Krevsun’s feet, but Dortmund’s usually unerring striker was unable to make the most of this gift. Kjell Wätjen and Cole Campbell had similar opportunities shortly afterwards. Borussia then struggled to find gaps in the Duisburg defence and had to be alert to the hosts’ transition play. One of these few counter-attacks led to a penalty in the 44th minute after William Rashidi fouled Leif Linning. Inanoglu stepped up to confidently slot home the penalty.

Tuesday in the UEFA Youth League against Newcastle

With Paris Brunner replacing Danylo Krevsun, Mike Tullberg hoped for more penetration in attack in the second half, but the MSV defence kept a cool head and defended their area with great determination. The Black & Yellows were caught napping by a long ball, Inanoglu got the better of Meiser and then goalkeeper Robin Lisewski to double the lead to 2-0.

Borussia responded with an attacking onslaught, which quickly led to a goal through Rafael Lubach. But imprecise finishing and the strong Adamidis in the MSV goal prevented them from finding an equaliser. “We missed too many chances and therefore have no-one to blame but ourselves,” said Mike Tullberg. Adamidis then popped up in the 72nd minute to complete the upset.

“We’ve had an outstanding season so far and exceeded all expectations. This defeat hurts, but now I expect a reaction from the team,” explained Mike Tullberg. This should happen on Tuesday, when Newcastle United visit the Brackel Youth Performance Centre in the UEFA Youth League (kick-off 14:00 CET, the match will be broadcast live on BVB TV). The Bundesliga is taking a break for a few weeks due to upcoming international matches.

U19: Lisewski – Rashidi, Meiser (74, Adamczyk), Posadas, Korzynietz – Lubach, Wätjen – Campbell, Krevsun (46, Brunner), Herrmann (61, Onofrietti) – Rijkhoff (wiwi)