Borussia Dortmund can defend! Despite being down to 10 men, the Black & Yellows only allowed Hertha seven shots in the second half – three of which came in stoppage time and only one of which was on target. The capital club had 61 percent possession after the interval, but rarely got into dangerous areas. BVB defended their lead passionately and intelligently to see out a by no means undeserved win. Here are the match facts.

In the thick of the action: Julian Brandt played in a central role, which clearly did him the world of good. In the first half in particular, the Germany international was a focal point for BVB; overall, he had the third-highest number of possession phases – 77, more than in any other Bundesliga game this season – and a pass completion rate of 94 percent.

Goalscoring run: Jadon Sancho scored for the third match in a row. It is his joint-longest goalscoring run in a Borussia Dortmund shirt, matching his three-game streak in October 2018.

Half-time lead: It was the first game in almost two months where BVB were ahead at the break. The last time was on 5 October, when they led 1-0 in Freiburg but ultimately drew 2-2.

Unwanted first: For the first time in his Bundesliga career, Mats Hummels was sent off for two bookings. Although once before – away to Gladbach in October 2013 – he was given a straight red card for a professional foul.

Early 2-0 lead: Since Lucien Favre's arrival, BVB have not raced into a 2-0 lead in any competition as quickly as they did in Berlin. In addition, the Black & Yellows netted a first-half goal for the first time in 10 matches.

Belgian record goalscorer: Thorgan Hazard scored his 33rd Bundesliga goal and now shares the title of joint-highest Belgian scorer in the German top flight with his countryman Emile Mpenza.

Youngest starting XI: BVB lined up with their youngest starting XI in any competition this season (average age: 25.7).