Plenty of chances and a convincing 5-0 victory in Cottbus

After 11 years of absence, BVB returned to the "Stadion der Freundschaft", a stadium in which they never suffered defeat during the venue's Bundesliga era between 2000 and 2008 (six victories, 16-3 goal aggregate score). "We are grateful for Dortmund's support," explained Claus-Dieter Wollitz, head coach of the club placed tenth in the North Eastern Regionaliga, "The entire region is happy about it."

Approximately 19,000 visitors were on hand in a nearly sold-out venue and after just 123 seconds they witnessed the first goal. After a costly defensive error, U23s striker Emre Aydinel played a square pass within the danger area to U19s squad member Reda Khadra who sent the ball home for the opener. A mask-wearing Mario Götze (as a result of a broken nose he suffered during a training session) led an incredibly young attacking line and came close to scoring himself but was blocked in the 15th minute by FCE goalkeeper Toni Stahl who was also on hand to save Dahoud's attempt from range in the 29th minute.

Overall, it was a fluid, well-guided and attractive performance by the Black and Yellows, who went on to miss two chances to score a second: Mo Dahoud failed to convert Piszczek's delivery owing to an outstanding save by Stahl in the 44th minute and the subsequent shot moments later, from a favourable position, fizzed just above the bar.

As seen in last season's home match against Frankfurt, Borussia bore a slogan on their shirts: "Borussia verbindet – Gemeinsam gegen Rassismus" [Borussia connects - Together against racism], which can be ordered online here. The proceeds from the sale will go towards BVB's work against discrimination.

In the second half, Borussia were initially caught on the back foot. Marcel Schmelzer cleared the ball from under the nose of a Lusatian attacker, then quick reactions from Stahl caused Aydinel to miss two opportunities: the first saw him find himself in space in front of the Cottbus keeper (51') and following that, he failed to take advantage of a cross from Götze into the six-yard box (54').  Toni Stahl became somewhat of a "Bogeyman" between the posts. His save to deny Joseph Boyamba was also something to behold.

Nevertheless, Toni Stahl was left powerless in the 67th minute. Emir Terzi pranced through the opponent's half and fed it to Tobias Raschl who took two steps before shooting to score the second goal of the day from 15 yards out to make it 2-0 (67'). Shortly after, Hajtic guided Terzi's cross into the back of his own net to make it 3-0 (70').  Steffen Tigges was able to make use of Raschl and Götze's teamwork just five minutes later to score and then it was Chris Führich's turn, who also scored a brace last weekend for the U23s, to assist Dahoud to make it 5-0 (78').

BVB: Hitz – Piszczek (46' Terzi), Weigl (83' Böhmer), Hummels, Schmelzer – Raschl, Dahoud – Bakir (57' Boyamba), Götze, Khadra (46' Führich) – Aydinel (68' Tigges)
Goals: 0-1 Khadra (3'), 0-2 Raschl (67'), 0-3 Hajtic (70' OG), 0-4 Tigges (75'), 0-5 Führich (78')
Attendance: approx. 19,000