Player Ratings: Nurnberg 0-2 Dortmund

Was nearly an improbable hero as his powerful effort was deflected wide. Made one great stop to deny Grosskreutz, and overall looked the better of the Nurnberg centre-backs. Replaced with 10 minutes left to play.

Played a quiet 90 minutes and made no noteworthy mistakes, although he was occasionally a little loose in his marking. Very strong in the air, however.

The veteran was the hardest-working player on the pitch, and all but scored what would have been a critical opener. However, Kagawa's header denied the Belgian a moment of glory. Held down the defensive midfield well afterwards, in what was a rather quiet role.

Fortunate not to be sent off after deliberately handling the ball while already on a yellow card, but managed to last the full 90 minutes against his former club. Played a quiet role at right-back, and to his credit, was rarely troubled by Grosskreutz.

Disappointing from the 24-year-old, who was utilised in an attacking role but neither scored nor assisted a single attempt on goal. Somehow lasted the 90 minutes without being substituted.

A poor game from the playmaker, who was fortunate only to be booked once. Never looked a threat on goal, and failed to give his team-mates chances either.

Nearly every Nurnberg attack came from his side, and the Czech all-rounder also provided near-perfect delivery from corners. However, he was caught flat-footed as Leitner's ball slipped past him in the lead-up to the opener - a very costly mistake.

Headed narrowly wide late in the first half, in what was one of the few close calls for the Bavarians. Was otherwise ineffective, and was taken off on the hour mark.

Had his share of chances in the early exchanges, but had one shot saved when through on goal, and later missed with a wild attempt from close range.

Did very well to deny Pekhart, and to maintain his composure in what was a very challenging spell in the early minutes. Had very little to do in the second half.

Did not appear to react well to the conditions. Had a few questionable moments, particularly on in which he played a very weak back-pass that posed danger in the opening minutes.

Bailed out Subotic in a couple instances, and made some superb interventions: unbeatable in the challenge. Failed to clear the ball from set pieces on one or two occasions, though.

A mixed game for the Polish wing-back. Was extremely industrious as he used his pace and fitness to take advantage of his somewhat sluggish opponents, but all of Nurnberg's attacks in the first half came from his side. In the end, he was rewarded for his attacking with an assist, and he was fortunate not to be punished for questionable positioning.

Improved after a nervy start in which he might have conceded a penalty. Ran tirelessly and ensured that only on rare occasion Nurnberg were able to attack on their right flank.

Someone needed to step up tonight, and with everyone else misfiring, it was the Dortmund captain who came through. Scored the critical opener, and was overall very strong in winning back possession in midfield.

Not involved in opportunities on goal as he has in recent games, but gave a spark in attack, and combined well with his compatriot, Piszczek, to whom he provided space to run into.

Not the best night for the 23-year-old, who spurned a clear chance in the first half and was overall rather quiet. Played a big role in Barrios' goal, however, as he was available for the pass and set up Kagawa's effort.

Had his evening cut short in the opening minutes after sustaining an ankle injury.

Like Pekhart, his counterpart, had a few chances but failed to make anything of them. Denied when one-on-one with Schafer, and had a well-taken effort from distance tipped over the bar. Faded after half-time, and was withdrawn with 18 minutes left to play.

A candidate for man of the match based on his performance in the opening 45 minutes. Saved a clear goal from Simons as he nodded clear, and provided two superb opportunities for Lewandowski. Went silent in the second half, but created a late goal as his shot was saved, leaving Barrios with an open net.