Borussia’s U19s made a statement on Easter Monday by winning 4-0 at Hertha BSC in the first leg of the German Championship semi-final, with striker Julian Rijkhoff scoring all four goals. The return leg will take place in Brackel at 11:00 CET on Saturday 15 April.

Shortly after the final whistle, head coach Mike Tullberg issued a warning about the return leg. “Only one half has been played. It’s always possible to turn a game around in football. But we’re of course in a good starting position.”

The Dortmund youngsters had a perfect day at the Stadion auf dem Wurfplatz. They played at full throttle in the opening stages and controlled the game comfortably for the most part. “We were very disciplined, very mature and very adult. I’m delighted with this performance,” said Tullberg, who had set his team up perfectly to face a strong attacking opponent.

BVB got off to a dream start in this repeat of last season’s final, with Julian Rikjhoff notching a seven-minute hat-trick (10, 16, 17). The opening goal was set up by Samuel Bamba, who went on a dribbling run before precisely teeing up Borussia’s top scorer. Rijkhoff fired the ball through the legs of Hertha goalkeeper Tim Goller with his left foot from a tight angle.

The Black & Yellows, who started this match with great focus and laid on some highly sophisticated link-up play at times, doubled their lead in the 16th minute. Vasco Walz played in Samuel Bamba, whose fizzing low cross was again met by Julian Rikjhoff. Before the Berlin outfit could process the setback, the Netherlands junior international made it 3-0. This time, he headed home a crossed free-kick from Rafael Lubach.

“I don’t score so many headed goals, but this time it worked out,” laughed Rijkhoff, who described his “perfect day” in matter-of-fact terms: “I slept well and had a good breakfast, and the entire team was excited for the match. Overall, we did really well. It was important that we scored the goals so early on. The quicker, the better. Then a lot of things come easier.” But Rijkhoff also did not see any cause for celebration, adding: “It’s only half-time.”

“Plan fully implemented”

Centre-back Filippo Mane’s season is over due to a muscle injury, while midfield Michel Ludwig was serving a ban for a red card. All-rounder Hendry Blank replaced Mane at the heart of the defence while Tom Rothe, whom Edin Terzic had released to the U19s, lined up on the left flank. However, the young first-teamer’s game was cut short after 38 minutes. Rothe injured himself following a collision and needed to be taken off. Jaden Korzynietz came on in his stead.

Despite their tough start, Hertha reacted well and mounted several attacks after conceding the third goal. However, the BVB goal only came under serious threat on one occasion: when Rothe missed the ball, only for Dominik Schickersinsky to fire wide (27). Otherwise, the Black & Yellows defended solidly and largely kept the Berlin side out of their box.

“The coach pointed out to us at the break that only 25% of the tie had been played,” revealed Julian Rikjhoff. The U19s hardly allowed Hertha BSC any chances and controlled proceedings in the second period. Marian Kirsch was a reliable backstop between the sticks, while the defensive coordination and cooperation was flawless. “The lads fully implemented our plan. It wasn’t about having a lot of possession and playing beautifully, but about putting ourselves in a good starting position,” explained Mike Tullberg.

Tullberg hoping for support from BVB fans

Even the substitutions – Mike Tullberg brought on U17 players Kjell Wätjen and Cole Campbell in the 70th minute – did not disrupt Dortmund’s flow and link-up play. On the contrary: Borussia staged a few more spectacular attacks. One of which lead to the goal for 4-0 – when Vincenzo Onofrietti, who had replaced Rafael Lubach in the closing stages, set up goalscorer Rijkhoff and the Dutchman netted his fourth goal.

“I hope that many BVB fans will be supporting us for the return leg on Saturday. The lads have earned that,” said Mike Tullberg, who is expecting a great atmosphere at the Youth Stadium. Should the team qualify for the final, they would go up against the winner of the other semi-final between Mainz 05 and 1. FC Cologne on Sunday 23 April. Mainz, who are coached by former BVB coach Benjamin Hoffmann, won their home game 1-0.

BVB: Kirsch – Cisse, Collins, Blank, Rothe (Korzynietz, 39) – Bamba (Simic, 85), Lubach (Onofrietti, 85), Walz, Krevsun (Wätjen, 69), Brunner (Campbell, 69)– Rijkhoff.

(wiwi)