Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League aspirations took a hit on Saturday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. The match was marred by the sending off of Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who received his second yellow card for a clumsy tackle in the 73rd minute.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Dortmund managed to hold on for a point, but they lacked the cutting edge that had earned them a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt the previous week. Schlotterbeck had a header saved shortly before his dismissal, but it was one of Dortmund’s few clear-cut chances in a game that was largely devoid of goal-scoring opportunities.
In other Bundesliga action, Stuttgart was denied a first league win of the season in dramatic fashion as Maxim Leitsch’s diving header salvaged a 3-3 draw for Mainz. Stuttgart had taken a 3-2 lead when Fabian Rieder’s 88th-minute free kick bounced off the post, off goalkeeper Robin Zentner’s back, and into the net. However, Leitsch’s late equalizer prevented Stuttgart from securing their first three points of the campaign.
Promoted Holstein Kiel’s first-ever home game in the Bundesliga ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Wolfsburg. Coach Marcel Rapp was sent off during the match, adding to Kiel’s frustrations.
Borussia Moenchengladbach continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Bochum, thanks to goals from new signing Tim Kleindienst and Jonas Hofmann. Eintracht Frankfurt also picked up three points with a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim.
Later on Saturday, defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will host RB Leipzig in a highly anticipated clash.
