Rot-Weiss Essen showed a strong reaction in the 2-1 away win against Borussia Dortmund II.

Two defeats in a row, 0:9 goals and also released the captain. Rot-Weiss Essen was under a lot of pressure on Friday night against Borussia Dortmund II.

However, there was no sign of this in the stands, where more than 7,000 travelled Essen fans created a great atmosphere, or on the pitch. Christoph Dabrowski’s team showed the reaction they had hoped for. RWE ran, fought and beat BVB’s second team 2:1 (1:0).

The guests, after the release of Felix Bastians, with Mustafa Kourouma in central defense and with Vinko Sapina as captain in midfield, was the more active and biting team from the beginning.

BVB stood deep, but was dangerous through switching moments. Justin Butler had the first chance. His direct shot went just wide (15th). He had to be replaced shortly afterwards with an injury.

After just under half an hour, the visitors knew how to convert their superiority into scoring danger. Leonardo Vonic, who made his starting debut in the attack, failed to beat Marcel Lotka from a free kick (26th). Shortly thereafter, the deserved lead: After a corner by Eric Voufack, who replaced the injured Andreas Wiegel on the right back, Kourouma was through and headed in with the help of Lotka for 1:0 (30.). The Bastians substitute!

Dortmund tried to get back into the game, but RWE’s defense showed a much more stable face than lately. Michel’s header, which Jakob Golz made a strong save, was the only goal action worth mentioning until the break (38th). Instead, José-Enrique Ríos Alonso even had the chance to make it 2-0 after a corner – Ayman Azhil cleared off the line (45+1).

RWE stood deeper after the change of ends. Promptly, the hosts became more goal-dangerous. And RWE became more insecure. First Rios Alonso slipped away in the middle – but Lucas Brumme was able to clear (53rd), then Kourouma rushed a little too clumsily into Julian Hettwer in the sixteen – penalty kick. Falko Michel stepped up and converted – 1:1 (57.).

The reaction of the Essen team was impressive. The guests flipped the switch immediately after the equalizer and were rewarded. Brumme crossed into the middle, where the free-standing Torben Müsel headed in for 2:1 (58.). Shortly thereafter, Voufack was lucky that there was not penalty again for his boarding in the sixteen (60.).

A rousing and hectic match developed, with finishes on both sides. BVB came with a lot of verve after a few changes, but RWE was more compelling. Vonic, who headed past Lotka again (70th), and Sapina, who headed past Lotka, had good chances for the preliminary decision.

BVB pressed in the final phase, but failed due to a lack of penetrating power and the courageous defensive work of the entire RWE team.

It remained the 2-1 away win.