Triple packer Paco Alcaver and Mario Götze have saved Borussia Dortmund’s lead in the Bundesliga. The 2014 World Cup hero scored in the 84th minute, seven minutes after his substitution, to the interim 3:2 against FC Augsburg. In the sixth minute of injury time, Spanish newcomer Alcacer scored a free-kick 4-3 (0-1) against FCA.
Alfred Finnbogason (22.) and Philipp Max (71.) had taken the lead twice. Joker Paco Alcacer (62./80.) could equalize twice and scored to the victory for the black-yellow. Michael Gregoritsch (87.) compensated for the Augsburg after Mario Götzes goal. Even in the tenth compulsory game under coach Lucien Favre, the Borussians remained undefeated and the leaders in the Bundesliga.
Favre changed his team in contrast to the Champions League game against AS Monaco (3:0) on four positions. Among others, Maximilian Philipp replaced the Spaniard Alcacer in the storm.
Mario Götze returned to the BVB squad after four games, but like his brother Felix, who was six years younger, he only sat on the bench at FCA for the time being. But in the 77th minute, the 2014 World Cup hero was substituted and thus made his first appearance in the league this season.
Paco Alcaver Honours
Club
Barcelona
- La Liga: 2017–18
- Copa del Rey: 2016–17, 2017–18
International
Spain U19
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2011, 2012
Individual
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012
The guests, who recently attracted attention with a point win in Munich and a sovereign home win against Freiburg, acted courageously from the beginning in front of 81,365 spectators. After three minutes, the Augsburg team had already earned three corners.
A standard situation also led to a not undeserved lead. Max’s free-kick flank fell to Finnbogason’s feet, who scored his fourth goal of the season from close range. At his season debut last week, the Icelander had already shone with a triple pack in a 4-1 draw against Freiburg.
The Dortmund game lacked precision in the first half, often wrong decisions were made. Nevertheless, the BVB had chances. Marco Reus shot over (15th), Achraf Hakimi (24th) and Maximilian Philipp (34th) failed against good FCA goalkeeper Andreas Luthe.
Augsburg did not hide with the lead in their back at the beginning of the second run. Goalkeeper Roman Bürki prevented Michael Gregoritsch and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw from being higher behind (both 49th).
The lack of freshness was noticeable to the BVB after the last high loads. Favre reacted and brought Alcacer after one hour for the inconspicuous Philipp – with success. Alcacer scored his fourth goal of the season shortly after his substitution after a nice pass from Jadon Sancho and added a second goal. Then Mario Götze and Alcacer scored again. It was the already 13th compulsory goal of a Joker for the BVB in this season.
Augsburg would have given an answer almost immediately. But Finnbogason only hit the crossbar (63rd) before Max scored the FCA lead again. In the turbulent final phase the BVB took the lead for the first time, but Gregoritsch scored 3:3. But then Alcacer came again. Check out BetUK for more details.