2020SL1 MD07 #13 Borussia Dortmund v #16 Lazio

Super League MD07 #13 Borussia Dortmund v #16 Lazio
LAZ - Ciro Immobile [3] 45’+
BVB - Andre Carrillo [1] 55’
LAZ - Saul Ardero [2] 84’
LAZ - Sergei Milinkovic-Savic YC 11’
LAZ - Luiz Felipe YC 31’
BVB - Axel Witsel YC 31’
MD07 - [13] BORUSSIA DORTMUND V. [16] LAZIO [1-2]
ALL TIME RECORD: FIRST MEETING
Two clubs struggling mightily in 2020 with a chance for one to feel significantly better after today’s match, unless we end in a dreary tie, Lazio’s first ever SL1 win would be a huge celebration, and while a more muted response for a Dortmund win, no less effective in jump-starting a disappointing start.
Both clubs came out swinging, eager to claim the 3 points at stake, but the results were the defenses ruling the pitch. The first shot came in the 22nd and not many came afterward in the first half, combined Lazio and Dortmund had 5 shots, 3 on target, and let’s not forget the yellow cards, 2 for Lazio and 1 for Dortmund.
One shot however was particularly devastating, coming in extra-time, Ciro Immobile picked up #3 and put Lazio up in likely the final play of stoppage time. Assisted by Saul Ardero, Ciro took the pass about 30 yards from goal, badly dusted Akanji, and after a few touches, fired from 15 yards to the far corner, GK Burki was way short.
The 2nd opened differently with Dortmund largely controlling play through their equalizing goal in the 55th, an incredible volley from Andre Carrillo, his first SL1 goal, assisted by Thorgan Hazard’s cross.
Dortmund continued to have the advantage deep into the 2nd half, coming close on a few occasions, including a point blank short range volley from Hummels and Bellingham, looking for another late goal, but GK Thomas Strakosha was on top of his game and even had an emphatic denial for Haaland in the 76th.
All this lead to an innocent Dortmund turnover near midfield, after a couple passes, Marusic charged down the left flank and sent a deep pass to Ciro, about 30 yards from goal. Ciro’s angle was far too acute with him entering the box less than 5 yards from the left edge, thus came his ground cross to a streaking Saul Ardero, who smashed it top far corner, a blistering effort Burki had zero chance at.
There remained some anxious moments, but 2 good saves from Strakosha kept it 2-1 and Lazio had their first ever SL1 win. It may be a hard year for Lazio, but today they stand tall, a moment of sublime beauty in the midst of a hell-fire crucible.
A hard loss for Dortmund who continue to have issues playing a complete game, Lazio had to beat somebody someday, but for now, it is solely Dortmund’s shame.
MD08: Dortmund travel to Napoli; Lazio host PSG