Wuppertaler SV earned a point against Borussia Dortmund’s U23 team. Head coach Sebastian Tyrala was very pleased with the 2-2 draw against the third-division relegation side.

After the bitter 0-5 defeat against SV Rödinghausen the previous week, Wuppertaler SV quickly got back on track. On Matchday 4 of the Regionalliga West, the Bergisch side fought their way to a remarkable 2-2 (1-1) draw against third-division relegation side Borussia Dortmund II. They were supported by hundreds of visiting fans at the Rote Erde Stadium.

Twice, WSV fell behind on set pieces, and twice they came back against arguably the best team in the league. “Dortmund is a very good team. You could see the quality they field and bring off the bench. That makes me all the more eager to highlight my boys’ great performance,” praised head coach Sebastian Tyrala.

First, center back Ben Hüning headed the Black and Yellows into a 1-0 lead off a corner kick (22’). Wuppertal’s Hans-Juraj Hartmann had an immediate answer (30’). After the break, Hüning completed his header double (47′), and Amin Bouzraa equalized with a crisp shot to make it 2-2 (55′). That goal would also mark the final score.

“It was a really good game in the first half. In the second half, the battle really kicked in,” analyzed Tyrala. From the stands, the suspended coach saw how his team broke down the Bundesliga reserve side with basic virtues: “We built a wall, threw ourselves into every challenge, and then switched play superbly. The goals we conceded were still too easy; we need to be closer to the ball—that’s frustrating. Still, I’m very satisfied with how the game went.”

This sentiment was not shared at all by BVB II after the draw. Once again, individual lapses cost Dortmund the win. “We had twelve glaring turnovers in the first half. That created chances for the opponent,” said Coach Mike Tullberg, clearly frustrated.

The Danish-born coach continued: “This is a reflection of our preseason and the last few weeks. If we score two goals, that should be enough. We can’t concede two, three, or four in every game. (…) We’re making too many gross errors. That can’t happen to the guys at this level.” Even though his team is “giving it their all on the field,” effort alone isn’t enough.

Tullberg attributes the team’s error-prone play to the fact that last year, in the 3rd Division, BVB still played the role of a reactive team relying on transition football. Now, however, the team is in a lower division and is expected to create chances on its own—something it’s still struggling with. The opponent knows this and is simply waiting for Borussia’s mistakes in build-up play to counterattack—so far with considerable success.

The fact that team captain Tony Reitz had to be substituted due to injury against WSV didn’t help the mood. Tullberg: “The way he left the field, I’m afraid it will be a long-term absence.” Next week, the Dortmund reserves will face VfL Bochum II (August 23, 2 p.m.). At the same time, Wuppertaler SV will host FC Schalke 04 II.

Lineup:

Wuppertaler SV: Luyambula – Müller, Dervisevic, Hartmann, Bielitza, Miyamoto – Aydogan, Schaub (78. Wagemann), Rebronja – Fehr (66′ Kamo), Bouzraa (78′ Sekaki)

Borussia Dortmund II: Ostrzinski – Göbel, Hüning, Lelle, Krevsun – Reitz (58′ Feddersen), Eberwein (69′ Boyamba), Foti – Drakas, Wüstenhagen, Diallo (46. Azhil)

Referee: Luca Marx

Goals: 1-0 Hüning (22.), 1-1 Hartmann (30.), 2-1 Hüning (47.), Bouzraa (55.)