BVB ground out a hard-fought victory, which was not undeserved in view of the shot count count (20-12) and the xG (expected goals: 2.4-1.8). Borussia had their noses in front in every statistic.

image

On top: More shots (21-13), passes completed (596-382), ball possession (64%) and challenges won (53%) spoke volumes for BVB, who also covered more ground (116.77km) than their opponents (114.25 km).

Strong home form: BVB have won their first seven home games of a Bundesliga season for the first time ever. Including last season, it was their 11th Bundesliga home win in succession. They'll equal the club record from 1997 if they beat Bayern Munich next.

First goal decisive: BVB have opened the scoring nine times in the Bundesliga this season, and won all nine games.

All or nothing: The last 20 Bundesliga matches involving BVB have always produced a winner: Borussia Dortmund 16 times, their opponents on four occasions.

Strong stamina: The Black & Yellows have scored 19 of their 30 goals this season in the second half – the most of any club.

Ever-important: Marco Reus scored his fourth goal of the season. Three have put his side ahead and one has drawn them level.

First goal: Donyell Malen scored his first Bundesliga goal with his 15th shot in the competition. As was the case with his first competitive goal, he scored the opener (as he did in the 1-0 win against Sporting CP).

Back in action: Raphael Guerreiro returned to the pitch for the first time since 2 October (having missed seven competitive games) and assisted the opener.