The hosts took control early when
Nmecha Impact and Schlotterbeck Return
The victory was sealed in the second half by substitute
Beyond the scoreline, the match featured the unexpected return of captain Nico Schlotterbeck. The defender made his first appearance since sustaining an ankle injury at the World Cup, admitting post-match that he had intentionally kept his recovery progress quiet. Schlotterbeck expressed his relief at returning to the pitch, noting that he had missed the competitive environment during his layoff.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac also provided a positive update regarding winger Konstantinos Karetsas, who had been stretchered off during the midweek Champions League victory over Villarreal due to a cardiovascular issue. Kovac confirmed that medical examinations revealed nothing unusual and that the player has already returned to training, with a potential comeback slated for next Saturday’s fixture against Stuttgart.
Bundesliga Round-Up
Elsewhere in the league, Freiburg surged to the top of the table following a comprehensive 5-0 demolition of Borussia Moenchengladbach. Yannik Engelhardt and Igor Matanovic each scored twice, with Maximilian Eggestein adding a fifth against a Gladbach side that finished the match with ten men.
Werder Bremen secured a 1-1 draw away at Cologne, thanks to a 69th-minute equalizer from Niclas Fuellkrug. The striker has now scored three goals in four appearances since his return to Germany. Meanwhile, Augsburg’s brief spell at the top of the standings ended following a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, despite Michael Gregoritsch netting a brace for the hosts.
Eintracht Frankfurt claimed their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Mainz, featuring a brace from Can Uzun. The match also saw Frankfurt goalkeeper Noah Atubolu extend his Bundesliga record by saving a penalty from Nadiem Amiri, marking his sixth consecutive spot-kick save. In other action, Adam Hlozek scored twice to lead Hoffenheim to a 2-1 win over Stuttgart.
