(Bundesliga 2022/2023): Highlights Hoffenheim - Dortmund

Julian Brandt had scored in his last three Bundesliga games, going into title-chasing Borussia Dortmund's visit to Hoffenheim. Dortmund had won all eight of their competitive games in 2023. The hosts had gone 12 games without a win in league and cup, but they nearly took the lead in the 16th minute. Christoph Baumgartner foiled by Nico Schlotterbeck, and Gregor Koble's touch put off Ozan Kabak. Koble was facing the club where he made his professional debut five years ago. He was keen to impress. Dortmund shook off that scare, grew into the game, and on 33 minutes, Sebastian Alleer showed strength and persistence, but was superbly denied by Oliver Baumann. It was Baumann who kept Koble out of the team at Hoffenheim all those years ago. He showed he still has top quality. The breakthrough came in unusual circumstances on 43 minutes, as Marco Reus' devilish free kick was flicked in by Brandt. The German international midfielder extended his scoring streak to four league games, with one of the most unusual finishes of his career. 1-0 at the break, everyone connected with Dortmund knew the job was far from done. On 56 minutes, the visitors mounted a disturbing counter-attack, as Brandt teed up Marius Wolff. A stunning strike, but the goal didn't stand, because of a Schlotterbeck foul on Ilhas Bebu in the build-up. The two goalkeepers continued to excel. On 67 minutes, Koble took off to deny Baumgartner. Considering the hosts had taken two points from their last eight home games, they were playing well. Dortmund nearly made life a bit easier for themselves in stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham rattled a post. In the end it didn't matter, Dortmund held on, and for the first time in their history, they've won their first nine competitive games of a calendar year. Their title push is alive and well.