Quick Read
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Lille 3-2 in a pre-season friendly at Hembergstadion.
- Pascal Groß, Serhou Guirassy, and Karim Adeyemi scored for Dortmund.
- Thomas Meunier and Hákon Arnar Haraldsson netted for Lille.
- Dortmund showcased first-half dominance, while Lille fought back in the second half.
- The match highlighted both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement.
On August 2, 2025, Borussia Dortmund hosted Lille in a pre-season friendly at the Hembergstadion in Iserlohn, Germany. The match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Dortmund, was a rollercoaster of emotions, providing fans with a glimpse of both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for their respective seasons. With rain occasionally lashing the field, the stage was set for an intense and competitive showdown.
First-Half Dominance by Borussia Dortmund
From the very first whistle, Borussia Dortmund showcased their intent to dominate. Within the opening minutes, Serhou Guirassy tested Lille’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier with a dipping strike. Dortmund’s high pressing and sharp passing allowed them to control possession, leaving Lille struggling to find their rhythm. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Pascal Groß capitalized on a poorly cleared corner kick. His persistence in the crowded six-yard box paid off, giving Dortmund an early 1-0 lead.
Chevalier, Lille’s standout performer in the first half, made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. He denied Marcel Sabitzer’s curling effort in the 19th minute and was later saved by the crossbar when Sabitzer’s long-range shot rattled the frame of the goal. However, Dortmund doubled their lead just before halftime. A penalty was awarded after Benjamin André fouled Daniel Svensson in the box. Guirassy stepped up and calmly converted, sending Chevalier the wrong way and giving Dortmund a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Lille’s Resurgence in the Second Half
The second half saw a rejuvenated Lille side take to the pitch. Coach Bruno Génésio made tactical adjustments, and his team came out with greater energy and intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute when Hákon Arnar Haraldsson finished a well-orchestrated move to pull one back for Lille. The Icelandic midfielder latched onto a through ball and slotted it past Dortmund’s substitute goalkeeper Alexander Meyer, making it 2-1.
However, Dortmund responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Karim Adeyemi restored their two-goal cushion with a clinical finish. Receiving a precise pass from Joseph Boyamba, Adeyemi chipped the ball over Lille’s goalkeeper to make it 3-1. The goal highlighted Dortmund’s ability to strike back quickly, even under pressure.
Late Drama and a Narrow Finish
Lille refused to back down, and their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute. Former Dortmund player Thomas Meunier, who had recently come on as a substitute, scored against his old club with a toe-poke finish. His goal reduced the deficit to 3-2, setting up a tense final stretch of the match.
The French side pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing minutes, with Haraldsson and André Gomes coming close to finding the back of the net. Dortmund’s defense, however, held firm under the mounting pressure, and Meyer made a crucial save from a well-taken free kick in stoppage time to secure the win for the Bundesliga giants.
Post-Match Reflections
Speaking after the match, Dortmund coach Niko Kovač praised his team’s performance, particularly in the first half. “The boys played with spirit and showcased some great combinations. There are still areas to improve, but overall, it was a solid performance,” he noted. Lille’s coach Bruno Génésio, meanwhile, emphasized the need for greater consistency and defensive organization, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
The match also served as an opportunity for both teams to test their depth. Dortmund made multiple substitutions, allowing younger players like Boyamba and Almugera Kabar to gain valuable experience. Lille, on the other hand, experimented with their evolving 3-5-2 formation, which showed promise but also exposed vulnerabilities against Dortmund’s fluid attack.
For Dortmund, this victory marked their second win of the pre-season, following an 8-1 thrashing of Sportfreunde Siegen just days earlier. With their next friendly against Juventus on August 10, Kovač’s men will look to build on their momentum and fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign. Lille, meanwhile, will aim to address their defensive lapses as they gear up for the new Ligue 1 season.
This thrilling encounter not only entertained fans but also provided valuable lessons for both teams as they continue their preparations for the challenges ahead.