2023-10-20 22:08:02
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Julian Brandt celebrated his 300th Bundesliga appearance on Friday with a goal that gave Borussia Dortmund a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen.
Dortmund were clearly relieved when referee Felix Brych blew the final whistle, considering what happened on Bremen’s last visit in the league. Last season, Borussia Dortmund led 2-0 in the 89th minute before the visitors scored three goals to win 3-2.
Niclas Füllkrug joined Dortmund in the summer transfer market from Bremen, however, the German striker left in the 77th minute after a modest performance against his former teammates.
Before the game, a minute of silence was given for the innocent victims of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as for the two Swedish victims in a shooting in Brussels on Monday before a match in the European Championship qualifiers.
Dortmund dominated the first half despite how difficult it was to create chances against the very organized visiting defense.
Marco Reus undoubtedly had the best chance after being assisted by Brandt, but saw his shot from a difficult angle end up going wide.
Donyell Malen came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval with a powerful shot that was blocked by Bremen substitute goalkeeper Michael Zetterer.
The second half started late due to the pyrotechnics displayed from the visitor zone occupied by Bremen fans.
Malen wasted another chance before Brandt finally got the only goal in the 67th minute with a chip over the opposing goalkeeper after a well-timed pass by Emre Can.
Dortmund remains one of three unbeaten teams in the German League along with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. Leverkusen visits Wolfsburg, and Bayern faces Mainz on Saturday.
1697840506
#Borussia #Dortmund #beats #Werder #Bremen #Julian #Brandt #300th #league #game