Borussia Dortmund and Juventus began the match at a high tempo. From the outset, Dortmund imposed a physically intense style with strong vertical play. Despite this being a friendly, both sides approached it with the mindset of a competitive league fixture.
Dortmund initially lined up in a 4-4-2, with their centre-backs slightly offset, the right centre-back pushing wide and the left centre-back more central. This created a pairing at the heart of defence, with the right centre-back operating almost as a right-back, while the left wing-back dropped into a left-back role.
The attacking midfielder shifted left to play as a left defensive midfielder, and the left central midfielder pushed wide to become a left midfielder, forming a flat four alongside the right wing-back.
Up front, Guirassy played slightly to the right, with Adeyemi free to roam across the right flank, often taking up a winger’s role when defending.
Juventus countered with an aggressive high press. Their centre-forward and left winger pressed side-by-side, forming a two-man first line. Behind them, the two central midfielders pushed high, with the right winger tucked into a right midfield role and the left wing-back stepping up as a left midfielder.
Bremer, playing as a libero, drifted right as a right centre-back, while the left centre-back took up a left-back position. This pressing structure allowed them to close down passing lanes quickly and set up for rapid transitions.
To bypass Juventus’ press, Dortmund adapted. They positioned their right centre-back and sweeper as a traditional centre-back pairing, with the left centre-back operating as a left-back. The right central midfielder moved wide to cover as a right-back, while the left central midfielder dropped into a defensive midfield role.
The left wing-back moved inside as a left central midfielder, with the attacking midfielder taking the right central midfield role. Adeyemi shifted from striker to left winger, Ryerson moved up to right wing, and Guirassy stayed central.
Despite Juventus’ pressure, Dortmund managed to play through it, launching quick attacking transitions with crosses and combination play. Juventus dropped into a three-at-the-back shape when defending, both central midfielders acting as defensive screens. The wing-backs stayed high and wide to stretch Dortmund’s press and create counter-attacking options, leaving only the centre-forward upfield.
Dortmund responded by pushing Guirassy higher and reshaping into a press with Adeyemi as a left winger, the right central midfielder as a right winger, and the attacking midfielder joining them in a three-man line behind Guirassy. Both wing-backs advanced to pin Juventus’ wide players deep. Jobe Bellingham linked play down the left, initiating attacks. The two outside centre-backs stepped forward into midfield, with the central centre-back acting as sweeper.
The pressure nearly paid off when Juventus’ goalkeeper miscontrolled a pass, almost conceding an own goal. Dortmund continued to dominate, forcing Juventus into aimless clearances. The game grew more physical, with several fouls. One set-piece chance saw Guirassy head just over from close range.
However, in the 15th minute, Juventus struck. Their first real counter-attack ended with Cambiasso arriving unmarked in the box to finish from close range after a poor defensive lapse from Dortmund. Shortly after, Hummels made his final career appearance and was replaced by Süle.
Dortmund almost equalised immediately when a cross deflected off Guirassy, wrong-footing the goalkeeper. Juventus, buoyed by their lead, began to play more purposeful possession-based counter-attacks, exploiting Dortmund’s defensive gaps. Thuram was a constant threat.
Near the end of the first period, Süle was forced off with a calf injury and replaced by Yan Couto, who went to right wing-back while the previous right wing-back tucked in as a right centre-back.
Dortmund began the second half pressing hard for an equaliser, but Juventus held firm. On 53 minutes, Juventus doubled their lead: the right wing-back broke forward and combined with Jonathan David and Yildiz, whose low diagonal pass found Cambiasso. Despite a tight angle, he finished clinically for his second goal.
From then on, Juventus retreated into a more defensive posture, allowing Dortmund to dominate territory. The German side created several chances but were let down by rushed decision-making.
Juventus then changed their entire team. The fresh players looked to impress manager Igor Tudor, playing on the counter. One break saw Djaló waste a promising chance with a tame shot straight at the keeper.
In the 89th minute, Dortmund pulled one back. After Adžić lost possession appealing for a foul, Brandt crossed to Beier, who shielded the ball, turned sharply, and fired into the net. Dortmund nearly equalised moments later after another flowing move, but the chance went begging.
For a pre-season friendly, this was a high-quality, physical encounter. Juventus impressed with their organisation and ability to punish mistakes, though they did waste opportunities in the second half. Dortmund showed attacking intent and fluidity in transitions but were once again undone by defensive lapses which is a recurring problem.
Written by Israel Schmidt de Azevedo
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