Borussia Dortmund Vs. Schalke 04: Hosts Dominate Early Minutes

Borussia Dortmund have certainly started on the front foot against local rivals Schalke 04, and could be two goals up already but for some good goalkeeping by Manuel Neuer. Just three minutes in, Sven Bender caught Christoph Metzelder in possession just inside the box, but Mario Götze’s shot from near the penalty spot was saved by Neuer. Just two minutes later, Lucas Barrios knocked down a cross for Jakub Blaszczykowski, and Neuer had to make a good save with his leg to keep BVB off the score-sheet.

Dortmund continued to find space in wide areas, and José Jurado fouled Luckasz Piszczek as the Polish fullback was making a strong run down the wing on six minutes to set-up a BVB free-kick from the right side. The initial ball was cleared but fell to Mats Hummels near the left corner of the penalty area, and he forced Neuer into another very good save from an overhead kick. The hosts are getting in behind the Schalke fullbacks and their pace has allowed them to run straight through the visitors’ midfield. Schalke look anything but composed, and their two midfield holders, Anthony Annan and Peer Kluge, haven’t been able to stop the Dortmund onslaught.