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1.07.2023Bayer 04

Match of the month: Opening win against the cup winners

The DFB Cup holders Borussia Dortmund visit the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on 29 July 1989 with an almost sold-out crowd of 22,000. In summary temperatures, the Werkself want to forget the poor previous season under Rinus Michels, who was replaced by Jürgen Gelsdorf as head coach in April 1989, by getting off to a good start.

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There are two new signings in the starting line-up in right-back Andreas Fischer, signed from PVL Remscheid, and second division top goalscorer Sven Demandt from Fortuna Düsseldorf:

Bayer 04: Vollborn – A. Reinhardt, Hörster, Kree, Fischer, Waas, Schreier, Buncol, de Keyser, Demandt, Lesniak (von Ahlen 89’)

Dortmund: Meyer – Kutowski, Helmer, Schulz, Breitzke (Driller 80’), Zorc, Möller, Rummenigge (MacLeod 73’), Kroth, Wegmann, Mill

From the start, the game develops into a fast-paced and exciting game with chances at both ends. On 18 minutes, Andrzej Buncol is brought down in the penalty area by goalkeeper Rolf Meyer but he is able to save the penalty taken by Sven Demandt. The Werkself increasingly gain the upper hand in the second half. It finally happens on 78 minutes: A brilliant pass from Andreas Fischer finds the Polish striker Marek Lesniak unmarked in front of the Dortmund keeper and he rounds him before putting the ball in the empty net. He runs off to celebrate by the fence at A Block, which was the block for Bayer 04 fans. The final efforts by Borussia Dortmund to draw level are denied by the Bayer 04 defence brilliantly organised by libero Thomas Hörster. And that means the Werkself start the new season with a win.

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