A wonderful setting, an enthralling match – and ultimately a 2-2 (1-1) draw for Borussia Dortmund's U23s in their opening game of the Regional League West 2017/18 in front of almost 6,000 fans in the Rote Erde Stadium against Red White Essen.

RWE, who had been able to defeat the BVB senior team 3-1 in a friendly match just under three weeks ago, took the lead in the 27' minute in a match characterised by varying phases of play. Malura tucked home the rebound after Zeiger had hit the post. Nevertheless, seven revolutions of the clock later and BVB were awarded with a spot-kick after a foul on Bockhorn. Ornatelli converted coolly to take the score to 1-1.

BVB were celebrating the goal that took them into the lead just two minutes after the restart, as Pflücke's shot from distance ricocheted off the underside of the bar to bring up the 2-1 score line. But there was to be a response to this too: Baier subsequently scored from 15 metres out, 2-2 (52').

"Completely satisfied to take a point"

Both teams had excellent goal scoring opportunities in the course of the match. Among others, BVB captain Mainka headed the ball against the bar (74').

"The support given to us by our fans was sensational", said new U23 manager Jan Siewert, who expressed his gratitude for the support from the stands. With regard to the game, he commented: 'It was back and forth, and there were chances at both ends of the pitch. I am completely satisfied to take a point today, and am looking forward to the upcoming games." (br)

BVB II: Bansen – Sauerland, Mainka, Steurer, Chato (46' Hanke) – Ornatelli, Dietz – Bockhorn, Pflücke (81' Serra), Amenyido (88' Ametov) – Eberwein
Goals: 0-1 Malura (27'), 1-1 Ornatelli (34', penalty kick), 2-1 Pflücke (48'), 2-2 Baier (52')
Attendance: 5,910