Exactly 59 days after the DFB Cup final against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund played their first pre-season friendly of the 2014/15 season. With a depleted squad, the league and cup runners-up strolled to a 4-1 (0-1) win at fourth division Hessen Kassel thanks to goals from Jordanov, Mkhitaryan, Harder and Kirch.

Two days after the end of the World Cup, BVB coach Jürgen Klopp not only had to do without eight players competing in Brazil, including new signings Immobile, Ji and Ramos, but also without Neven Subotic and Jakub Blaszczykowski (cruciate ligament recovery) as well as the injured Marco Reus (ankle), Nuri Sahin (knee), Ilkay Gündogan (rehab) and Marian Sarr.  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, however, was available for selection after recovering from a groin injury. BVB had a total of nine Bundesliga experienced players at their disposal for their opening pre-season match that was played in fine conditions and in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

It was one-way traffic from the start, though the pace of the game allowed the fourth-tier side to get a foothold in the game. Struggling to find their rhythm, BVB only created two shots on goal worth a mention in the opening 30 minutes, with Aubameyang going close with a shot from 18 yards and with a smooth header.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had two good to score in the first half.

The hosts then even scored the opening goal against the run of play when Lemke finished up a fine piece of play on 38 minutes, leaving Alomerovic with no chance. Joseph Gyau, a new signing for BVB‘s Under-23 side, almost pulled Borussia level again but his shot went just wide of the post.

BVB, who went into the game with 17 players, made six substitutions and some tactical changes at the interval. All of the Under-23 players, who have been in training for weeks, played the full 90 minutes, while Piszczek, Schmelzer, Kehl, Jojic and Aubameyang as well as goalkeeper Alomerovic stayed in the dressing room.

The Black n Yellows needed only three second-half minutes to turn the game around. After a deflected Mkhitaryan effort skidded off the off the post and out of play, Jordanov scored the equaliser from the resulting corner. Three minutes later, Mkhitaryan saw another shot deflected, this time, however, the ball looped high and into the net to put Borussia in front (66 mins.). Harder made it 3-1 on 71 minutes, tapping home a square ball from close range.

Kirch wrapped up the win for Borussia ion 77 minutes , while Hofmann was denied by the crossbar with a shot from short range two minutes later.

BVB: Alomerovic (46. Bonmann) – Piszczek (46. Bender), Hornschuh, Nyarko, Schmelzer (46. Dudziak) – Kehl (46. Kirch) – Jordanov, Jojic (46. Mkhitaryan), Gyau, Harder – Aubameyang (46. Hofmann)
Goals: 1:0 Lemke (38.), 1:1 Jordanov (63.), 1:2 Mkhitaryan (66.), 1:3 Harder (71.), 1:4 Kirch (77.)
Attendance: approx. 17,000