3,128 spectators watched an intense game between Borussia Dortmund's U23s and 1. FC Kaiserslautern at Stadion Rote Erde. The Black & Yellows started the game well and had good chances to take the lead through Youssoufa Moukoko, who was getting match practice with the U23s, and Immanuel Pherai. The visitors dominated most of the action in the second half but failed to score, meaning the game ended 0-0.

The opponent: Thanks to six wins from their last ten third division games, the Red Devils travelled to Dortmund with a lot of confidence. Coach Marco Antwerpen's side have stabilised in recent weeks despite suffering some personnel setbacks. Maximilian Hippe, who only moved from Dortmund to the Palatinate in August, also hasn't escaped injury.  

Personnel matters: BVB coach Enrico Maaßen made two changes to his starting eleven that won in Halle. Lennard Maloney and Youssoufa Moukoko replaced Dan-Axel Zagadou and Ole Pohlmann.

The match & analysis: BVB had more of the game in its opening minutes, establishing themselves deep in the opponent's half. The first shot came from Youssoufa Moukoko in the sixth minute, but his shot from the left was cleared by a defender for a corner. BVB went even closer around 15 minutes later when Immanuel Pherai tested visiting goalkeeper Spahic from distance. 

It was only after half an hour that the visitors were on the offensive again, with a long-range shot from Maik Wunderlich smashing off the crossbar. Seven minutes before the end of the first half, BVB sniffed at the lead again. Lennard Maloney set up Immanuel Pherai, whose shot went just wide of the goal. Youssoufa Moukoko came even closer in the 40th minute when he failed to beat goalkeeper Spahic. Both sides went in at half-time with the score goalless. 

The visitors upped their game in the second half: Kaiserslautern held a much higher line against the Dortmund defence and recovered the ball on multiple occasions. The side from the Palatinate had the better chances in the second half, but Dortmund's defence around goalkeeper Stefan Drljaca defended passionately and threw themselves at every ball.  

Neither team risked too much 15 minutes before the end of the game. BVB stood compact in defence and defended against the visitors' many long balls dominantly. BVB's changeovers lacked pace, meaning the visitors were always well-positioned when Dortmund took offensive action. Substitute Ted Tattermusch had the chance for a late finish after a cross from Bah-Traore, but his header went just over the goal. On the other side of the pitch, Lennard Maloney then saved the point with a great challenge.     

BVB's U23s: Drljaca – Coulibaly, Dams, Maloney – Taz (68. Raschl), Pfanne, Papadopoulos, Viet (68. Bah-Traore) – Pherai (68. Tattermusch), Moukoko (62. Pohlmann), Tachie (88. Makreckis)

Goals: None

So it continues: This coming Saturday, the U23s will visit Sportclub Verl in Lotte at 14:00 CET.