Ian Maatsen had a horror start in the Champions League match between Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening. The Germans' left back received a not-too-handy ball from Gregor Kobel and then simply handed it in to Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentinian took advantage of the opportunity, so that Atlético quickly led 1-0. There is a lot of criticism in the German media about the blundering left back BVB.

BILD judges the Dutch left back harshly. “A mega mistake by Maatsen put Atlético at 1-0. Kobel plays Maatsen, even though he has an opponent at his back. The full-back decides for unclear reasons to give a wide ball. All in all, a dramatic start for BVB.”

The Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung points the accusing finger at Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel. “That pass to Maatsen is of course extremely sloppy. He had to leave the ball to De Paul, who eventually also scored.”

?????????, Atlético takes the lead very quickly! ??
Goalkeeper Kobel plays Maatsen in a dangerous spot and De Paul takes advantage of this: 1-0 ??#ZiggoSport #UCL #ATMBVB pic.twitter.com/E12cIRecVU

— Ziggo Sport Voetbal (@ZS_Voetbal) April 10, 2024

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung sees a new trend emerging in terms of building back. “The times when goalkeepers simply shoot the ball forward are behind us. If only they sometimes just did that, because Atlético was waiting for a risky pass from Kobel to Maatsen.”

“The Dutch defender then tried to play the ball with his outside edge. It would have been nice if that action had been successful, but unfortunately for him it did not work,” the German newspaper adds.

According to Kicker Maatsen is the main culprit for Dortmund's false start in Madrid. “His incorrect play-in pass was punished coldly by De Paul.” Nevertheless, the Germans start the return match with perspective. “Dortmund remains hopeful after 25 weak minutes.”

Bad numbers for Maatsen

Report grades are invariably handed out in the German press. The best score a 1 and the worst score a 6. The Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung awards a 5 to Maatsen, which means an insufficient grade. Sports platform Ran gives the left back a 4. “Maatsen was put under unnecessary pressure by Kobel at the 1-0, before he made the mistake himself.”

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