UCL: Dortmund 1-0 Sturm Graz - Malen Strikes Late

Malen Rescues Dortmund with 85th-Minute Goal

“It was a deserved win, even if we scored late. We controlled the game for the most time. We stayed clear. I thought...”

Dortmund secures crucial Champions League victory, Malen's goal defeats Sturm Graz.

Borussia Dortmund secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the Champions League, thanks to Donyell Malen's 85th-minute strike. The win marks Dortmund's third victory in four matches.

Malen, who replaced Youssoufa Moukoko in the 67th minute, intercepted a ball in the Austrians' half and played a one-two with Serhou Guirassy before scoring with a well-taken shot.

“A very important win,"” coach Nuri Sahin said in a press conference. “It was a deserved win, even if we scored late. We controlled the game for the most time. We stayed clear. I thought it would happen earlier, but even though we scored a late goal, it's nine points for us so far.”

Dortmund, missing several players due to injury, has now won two consecutive matches in all competitions, following their Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig. The team's European campaign continues against Dinamo Zagreb on November 27.

The Champions League has adopted a new league phase format, featuring 36 teams playing eight matches each. The top eight teams advance directly to the next round, while the next 16 teams enter a two-legged playoff.

In the first half, Dortmund dominated possession but lacked a clinical finish. Guirassy came close with a low drive in the 28th minute. Sturm Graz threatened on the break, with Jusuf Gazibegovic's curled effort and Mika Biereth's close-range header in the 71st minute.

“In my opinion, we had the better opportunities in the phase before they scored,” Sturm coach Christian Ilzer said. “But then the goal was scored, and we were left empty-handed. That's very annoying. But we have to take the lead in a game like this.”

The victory propels Dortmund to fourth place, while Sturm Graz remains at the bottom with no points.

Main Events:

° 28th minute: Guirassy's low drive nearly scores

° 67th minute: Donyell Malen replaces Youssoufa Moukoko

° 71st minute: Mika Biereth misses close-range header

° 85th minute: Malen scores winning goal

Standings Update:

Borussia Dortmund: 4th place (9 points)

Sturm Graz: 32nd place (0 points)