Both of Borussia Dortmund's junior teams claimed victories over Rot-Weiss Essen this weekend. The U19s displaced FC Schalke 04, who drew 0-0 in Oberhausen, in second spot after winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Paul Besong (two) and Alaa Bakir. That means that coach Benjamin Hoffmann's charges now have their destiny in their own hands as they bid to reach the Final Round of the German Championship. BVB are next in action in Aachen on Sunday, before hosting MSV Duisburg in Brackel on the final day of the season (Saturday 11 May at 13:00 CET).

Meanwhile, the U17s are all but certain of a place in the semi-finals of the German Championship thanks to a 4-0 win in Essen. They have a nine-point lead (plus a far superior goal difference) over third-placed Leverkusen, who now only have an outside chance of reaching the final four. The men from Essen defended with everyone behind the ball, but were powerless to prevent a second-half goal-flurry from the Black & Yellows. Ansgar Knauff (two), Rilind Hetemi and Ware Pakia were the scorers. (wiwi)

Detailed reports to follow on the youth websites