Wolfsberger AC vs. Borussia Dortmund: Lessons Learned from Europa League

Thomas Tuchel notched a win in his first competitive match as Borussia Dortmund's manager on Thursday evening, securing a 1-0 victory over Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in the third round of UEFA Europa League qualifying.

Jonas Hofmann netted the only goal in the first half, giving the visiting Germans a narrow advantage heading into next week's second leg on home soil.

Wolfsberger grew into the game in the second half and threatened Dortmund's goal on multiple occasions. 

Here are a few of the lessons we learned from Thursday's game.

Transitioning to Tuchel

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As he begins the difficult task of replacing former Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel is trying to instill his brand of football on the team. As Steffen Potter noted at UEFA's website, Tuchel's new system "values possession over quick transitions."

Thursday's game served as the first opportunity to see how Dortmund would play. And sure enough, the Germans attempted to hold the ball and build chances through possession, especially in the first half. But the goal came from a counter, which will be a familiar sight for BVB fans.

In the 16th minute, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang freed Henrikh Mkhitaryan with an incisive pass to the left flank. Mkhitaryan advanced toward the box before passing to Jonas Hofmann at the far post. From there, Hofmann slotted in to finish a nice move.

But Wolfsberger began to threaten in the second half, when Dortmund struggled to hold possession. As B/R contributor Stefan Bienkowski noted on Twitter, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Mats Hummels were guilty of "punting every interception up the park," leading to more possession for the hosts. 

Clear chances inevitably followed. In the 61st minute, Thomas Zundel skied a shot over the bar after Wolfsberger had shredded Dortmund's defense. Ten minutes later, Mkhitaryan had to clear off the line with a header.

The visitors were able to finish off the victory, but the transition to Tuchel's new system is still a work in progress.

Burki the Starter in Goal?

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Roman Burki started in goal for Borussia Dortmund's first competitive match of the season. Normally that would indicate a manager's preference for his first-choice goalkeeper, but that might not be the case for Thomas Tuchel.

Before the match, Tuchel insisted that he had made "no decision on the goalkeeper question," as reported by DW Sports. Roman Weidenfeller will start the second leg next week in Germany.

So how did Burki do?

In general, the Swiss stopper played well, making a few good saves and commanding his box on set pieces. He appeared somewhat unconvincing when defending a free-kick in the first half, but he produced a good reaction save in the closing moments as Wolfsberger tried to equalise from a corner. 

Signed this summer from relegated Freiburg, Burki has time on his side. At 24, he still has his best years ahead of him. Weidenfeller, on the other hand, is 34, and his contract expires at the end of the season, per the Guardian.

Draw your own conclusions.

Hofmann Starts New Campaign Well

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Jonas Hofmann spent 2014-15 on loan with Mainz. Back in Dortmund's squad, the 23-year-old winger scored the winner on Thursday and will be optimistic about the upcoming season.

Hofmann spent most of the previous campaign on the treatment table at Mainz, playing just 12 league games and scoring three goals in a frustrating, injury-filled year.

Thursday's goal won't change that, and it won't necessarily lead to a stellar season. But Hofmann will be pleased to be back in Dortmund colors—and back on the scoresheet.

Wasteful Aubameyang

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played a crucial role in Dortmund's goal, but he also missed a couple of clear chances. 

In the first half, he had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring with a free header from a corner. But he sent the ball off target when he at least should have tested the goalkeeper. Early in the second half, the Gabon international had another aerial chance but again headed just wide of the corner.

Aubameyang did well to put himself in position to score, but he needs to be more clinical with his finishing as the season progresses.