Borussia Dortmund inched closer to clinching the Bundesliga title after a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Augsburg on Sunday. Sébastien Haller's double strike propelled Dortmund to the top of the league standings, placing them in control of the title race with just one round of matches remaining.
The first half remained goalless, but the hosts were dealt a blow when Felix Uduokhai received a red card. In the 58th minute, Haller broke the deadlock, calmly slotting the ball into the net. Later in the game, Haller sealed Dortmund's triumph with his second goal, and Julian Brandt added a stoppage-time goal to complete the scoring.
Dortmund's triumph propelled them two points ahead of Bayern Munich, who suffered a 3-1 home defeat against RB Leipzig the previous day. Edin Terzic's side now knows that a victory over Mainz in their upcoming home match will secure their first Bundesliga title since the 2011-12 season under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp. Bayern Munich will hope for a Dortmund stumble when they travel to Cologne, as they aim to extend their remarkable streak of nine consecutive Bundesliga titles.
Reflecting on the team's journey, Terzic acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the season, stating, "This year, we have experienced setbacks rather than missed opportunities. Now, we stand closer to our goal than ever before. With six more days, we will push harder and hopefully get our hands on the coveted Bundesliga trophy."
The first half of the match showcased Dortmund's dominance, with 16 shots on goal compared to Augsburg's solitary attempt. Dortmund also struck the post through Niklas Süle. Augsburg, who needed a victory to secure their top-flight status, suffered a significant setback in the 38th minute when Uduokhai fouled Donyell Malen, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the second half, Emre Can rattled the woodwork for the visitors, but Dortmund's nerves were eased when Haller skillfully evaded Tomas Koubek and slotted the ball home off the post, igniting celebrations among the traveling fans. Augsburg sought an immediate response, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial save to deny Irvin Cardona.
Haller, who battled testicular cancer and made a triumphant return to the field in 2023 after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, ensured Dortmund's victory with a goal on the rebound six minutes from time. Reflecting on his journey, Haller expressed his disbelief at his current situation, saying, "If someone had told me six months ago that I would be in this position today, I would not have believed them. We have invested a tremendous amount, and now we have an opportunity to achieve something significant. There is no magic; it is about dedication and perseverance."
Dortmund's resounding win places them on the cusp of glory as they enter the thrilling finale of the league season.
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