Dortmund edge Leverkusen as Union claim Berlin bragging rights

BERLIN: A first-half goal from captain Marco Reus was enough to see Borussia Dortmund past Bayer Leverkusen while Union Berlin defeated city rivals Hertha to claim derby bragging rights. In a fixture known more for attack than defense in recent years — three of the past five games between Dortmund and Leverkuson have featured seven goals — it was highlighted by defense, particularly that of Dortmund newcomer Nico Schlotterbeck. After a nervy opening, the home side took the lead in the ninth minute when Reus finished off a slick team move kick-started by aggressive pressing from Dortmund’s 19-year-old England international Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham toe-poked the ball out of Leverkusen’s possession and into the path of Dortmund’s 17-year-old striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who glided a pass across the face of goal to Bundesliga debutant Karim Adeyemi. Hradecky half-saved Adeyemi’s shot, before Reus slammed it into the back of the net as it trickled its way over the line. In stoppage time, Hradecky was red-carded for handling the ball outside the area.

American striker Jordan Siebatcheu scored on his Bundesliga debut as Union Berlin cantered to a 3-1 home victory over Hertha. Brought in over the summer to replace Nottingham Forest-bound Taiwo Awoniyi, Siebatcheu glanced a Sheraldo Becker cross past Oliver Christensen to put Union ahead in the 32nd minute. Becker added the second goal in the 50th minute, before Robin Knoche headed in a Christopher Trimmel corner four minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.