Grüll Assist for Bremen's Point in Wild Closing Stages in Dortmund

On Matchday 5 of the German Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund had to accept their first dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen.

Werder Bremen made their first appearance of note through Niclas Füllkrug. Following a cross from Marco Grüll, he headed just wide of the goal (18.).

Especially in the first half, the game was characterized by numerous duels in midfield. Although BVB dominated proceedings with almost 75 percent possession, they couldn't create anything truly threatening.

In the 37th minute, a goal should have come. After a counter-attack, Reis drove the ball far forward on the right side and then took a harmless shot from the edge of the box. Grüll would have been completely free on the left, but the Austrian forward didn't receive the ball.

Almost the Goal of the Season

Shortly after, Dortmund were awarded a free-kick from approximately 35 meters out. Marcel Sabitzer took a brave shot directly at goal. The ball whistled just past the left top corner. It could have been the goal of the season so far (39.).

Just four minutes later, BVB should have taken the lead. After a superb chipped pass from Nwaneri, Beier drove the ball into the box. Hein managed to parry his well-struck shot (43.).

Strong Pressure After the Break

Dortmund emerged strongly from the dressing room and completely penned Bremen back in their own penalty area for the first five minutes, creating chance after chance. Guirassy, Beier, and Nwaneri narrowly missed around the 50th minute.

Shortly after, Werder, through Füllkrug, almost scored the opening goal out of nowhere. After a long ball from Hein in goal, "Lücke" was through alone, and Kobel had to intervene (54.).

Dortmund Pushes and Pushes

That BVB wasn't leading in this game was nothing short of a miracle. It was incredible how many chances the Black and Yellows created. However, Hein in Bremen's goal was consistently the final barrier.

Shortly after, the ball did end up in the net following a spectacular bicycle kick from Nwaneri, but the referee had already blown his whistle for an attacking foul.

Svensson Breaks the Deadlock for Dortmund

After winning the ball back in their own penalty area, Karetsas launched a long pass towards Guirassy, who left Friedl standing on the touchline and crossed the ball to Silva.

He tried to shoot but didn't connect properly, thereby setting up the onrushing Svensson perfectly. From just eleven meters, the 24-year-old only had to tap it in (80.).

Reis Makes it Exciting Again

Just five minutes later, captain Schlotterbeck extended the lead to 2-0 after a corner kick (85.), flexing his muscles in celebration. It looked like the decisive goal.

But Bremen refused to be disheartened and scored a consolation goal just two minutes later. Reis was allowed to advance a long way towards the Dortmund goal, shot from 20 meters, and gave Kobel no chance (87.).

Füllkrug Delivers the Lucky Punch

And then it happened as it was bound to: Deep in stoppage time, Füllkrug came rushing in after a free-kick and headed in for 2-2 (90+2), with Marco Grüll providing the assist.

For BVB, a strong Sabitzer was substituted in the 72nd minute. Friedl and Grüll played the full match for Werder Bremen, while Schlager was not substituted in.

Dortmund thus remained in first place for now – Bremen is currently fourth.