BVB manages to break free – Bayern hunters RB Leipzig make a mistake

BVB started the party powerfully and appeared more energetic than the previous week. Then Leipzig scored – but Dortmund responded convincingly.

Borussia Dortmund achieved the longed-for liberation in the Bundesliga in, of all places, the top game. On Saturday, Nuri Şahin's team turned around a 0-1 deficit against RB Leipzig and ultimately celebrated a 2-1 (1-1) victory. Leipzig was initially less present offensively, but took the lead through Benjamin Šeško (27th minute). DFB young star Maximilian Beier only knew how to respond briefly (30th).

Striker Serhou Guirassy redeemed BVB after the restart and secured victory with his header (64'). Even more goals would have been possible. The Black and Yellows repeatedly despaired of Leipzig keeper Péter Gulácsi.

While BVB celebrated important points and jumped to fifth place (16 points), Leipzig remained in second place with 20 points – but failed to increase the pressure on FC Bayern (23 points). Coach Marco Rose also suffered the first defeat of the season in his 100th competitive game for RB.

For Şahin it was the fifth win in the fifth home game, and one with which the recently criticized coach gained arguments for himself. During the week and again immediately before kick-off, he emphasized how important the support in the stadium was in this critical phase. And the fans struggled to comply with the coach's request.

Leipzig possession passages were accompanied by whistles, Dortmund ball wins were celebrated even louder than usual – but RB did not let the heated atmosphere unsettle them. Leipzig initially controlled the game with a lot of possession, but were initially unable to create any opportunities against the reorganized defense, in which Emre Can defended centrally and Pascal Groß defended on the right.

BVB was completely different: Dortmund relied on quick transitions and had three good chances in the first 20 minutes. The best player was Jamie Gittens (14th), who shot into the arms of the Leipzig goalkeeper Gulácsi after a counterattack.

But RB answered coldly. In the midst of a phase in which both teams neutralized each other, Šeško suddenly appeared in the Dortmund penalty area and easily scored with Leipzig's first shot on goal. But when Beier equalized just a little later with his debut goal for BVB, Şahin breathed a sigh of relief in the dugout.

It remained intense, both teams fought in the duel, numerous fouls and interruptions noticeably disrupted the flow of the game. Referee Tobias Stieler had a lot to do – he handed out five yellow cards in the first half alone.

Even after the break, the top game wasn't high-class – it thrived on tension and became increasingly heated. Dortmund managed to push RB back and establish themselves in Leipzig's half. Nico Schlotterbeck (59th) failed because of Gulácsi, the recently much-maligned captain Can pounded his fist passionately on the BVB coat of arms after winning a duel.

Guirassy rewarded Dortmund for their strong performance in the second half. He headed a cross from Beier into the goal and caused excitement in the stands. Julian Brandt (72nd) and Beier (74th) missed the 3-1, so RB initially stayed in the game.