The Borussia Dortmund U23s were in good form in their friendly against Preußen Münster a week before the start of the new third-tier season. The Black & Yellows won 2-0 away to Dutch top-tier outfit Go Ahead Eagles thanks to a committed team performance and a brace from Julian Hettwer.

The Go Ahead Eagles finished in a comfortable 11th place in the Dutch Eredivisie last season. The match against the Dutch outfit was therefore a real acid test for the U23s a week before competitive action starts. There were few chances in the first half, which was played in pouring rain. The Black & Yellows gave nothing away in defence but struggled to create the necessary gaps and ideas against a well-set up opponent in the opening stages. 

Head coach Jan Zimmermann’s team were increasingly able to work their way into the match as the first half progressed. The crowd witnessed the first good opportunity when Falko Michel narrowly missed the target with a headed effort following a quick attack down the right flank. Shortly before the break, another header by Michael Eberwein struck the crossbar following a set-piece.

It was a similar story in the second period: the Black & Yellows looked very solid in their own ranks and kept the ball away from their own goal with a committed performance. The home side could not sufficiently clear the ball following a BVB corner in the 58th minute and new signing Julian Hettwer was in the right place at the right time to slot home the opener for the Black & Yellows.

Borussia showed their counter-attacking strength only eight minutes later. A move involving Bjarne Pudel and Falko Michel culminated in another chance for Hettwer, who again kept his cool and extended BVB’s lead to 2-0. The Dutch side continued to have more possession but could not work their way into decisive shooting positions against a very well organised Dortmund rearguard.

The match consisted of one 45-minute period and one 30-minute period.

Coach Jan Zimmermann was satisfied with the final acid test before league action gets under way next weekend. “Tactically, that was a very good performance from the boys. We performed really strongly today, also in terms of our team spirit and willingness to run. The match gives us a good feeling for the final week of training before our first league match. Even though we didn’t have several players available once again today, we successfully kept a clean sheet away to a very strong opponent. We feel well prepared for Preußen Münster.“