BERLIN: A superb second-half chip from Julian Brandt sent Borussia Dortmund provisionally top of the Bundesliga table with a 1-0 home win over Werder Bremen on Friday.

Bremen-born Brandt, playing his 300th league match, broke the deadlock midway through the second half, dinking a composed finish over the keeper to give his side the lead.

The win means Dortmund finish Friday evening one point clear atop the table, although Bayer Leverkusen can re-take the lead if they beat VfL Wolfsburg in Saturday’s late match.

Dortmund have 20 points after eight matches, one point ahead of Leverkusen, while Werder are 14th with six points.

The hosts were on top for most of the match but were frustrated by a resolute Werder defence, with Bremen goalkeeper Michael Zetterer making several crucial saves.

Dortmund’s Donyell Malen had a shot saved by Zetterer in the opening minutes, which set the tone for the match.

Around the half-hour mark, Marco Reus went close to giving the hosts a well-deserved lead, but his attempt from an acute angle narrowly missed.

Dortmund’s search for an opener continued until Brandt took matters into his own hands, collecting an Emre Can ball and chipping Bremen goalie Zetterer.

Despite the lead Dortmund continued to attack as the clock wound down, Zetterer denying Sebastien Haller on the volley with one minute remaining.

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2023