Champions Bayern Munich went top of the table for the first time since September, ahead on goal difference of Borussia Dortmund, following the 6-0 demolition of VfL Wolfsburg.

Here are five talking points:

BAYERN RUN

Bayern enjoyed the perfect tune-up for their champions League last 16 second leg against Liverpool in Munich on Wednesday.

"We are now where we wanted to be," said Bayern coach Niko Kovac after their 12th win from their last 13 league games. Bayern had drawn 0-0 in Liverpool.

GERMANY TRIO

Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller were all in the starting lineup of Bayern on Saturday, only days after they were dropped from the national team.

The trio have since vented their frustration over coach Joachim Loew's decision but they will be more motivated now, said Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski.

"We know that they are great players. Their motivation is now bigger because of that and they will prove it on the pitch," Lewandowski, who scored twice to become the league's all-time foreign scorer, said after their big win.

REUS, ALCACER ON TARGET

Dortmund who at one point had a nine-point advantage over Bayern, earned a narrow 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart to stay level on points with the champions.

The good news was that Paco Alcacer, without a goal in the last seven matches, and captain Marco Reus, who had not scored in five weeks due to injury, both got their 14th goals of the season.

SNOW CHAOS

Heavy snow caused disruption for relegation-threatened Hanover 96 in their 3-2 defeat at home by Bayer Leverkusen.

Trailing 2-0, Hanover had the chance to cut the deficit when forward Genki Haraguchi fired into an empty goal only to see the ball slide to a dramatic stop in heavy snow just before the goal line. The ball was then cleared.

The match was also briefly interrupted to clear the lines before the snowfall eventually subsided in the second half.

KRUSE PENALTY

Max Kruse scored a penalty and set up another goal in Werder Bremen's 4-2 victory over Schalke 04, confirming his fine form this season. Kruse scored his 13th consecutive Bundesliga penalty, ranking third in the all-time list with players who have a 100 percent penalty record in the league.

Champions Bayern Munich went top of the table for the first time since September, ahead on goal difference of Borussia Dortmund, following the 6-0 demolition of VfL Wolfsburg.

Champions Bayern Munich went top of the table for the first time since September, ahead on goal difference of Borussia Dortmund, following the 6-0 demolition of VfL Wolfsburg. Here are five talking points: BAYERN RUN Bayern enjoyed the perfect tune-up for their champions League last 16 second leg against Liverpool in Munich on Wednesday. "We are now where we wanted to be," said Bayern coach Niko Kovac after their 12th win from their last 13 league games. Bayern had drawn 0-0 in Liverpool. GERMANY TRIO Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller were all in the starting lineup of Bayern on Saturday, only days after they were dropped from the national team. The trio have since vented their frustration over coach Joachim Loew's decision but they will be more motivated now, said Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski. "We know that they are great players. Their motivation is now bigger because of that and they will prove it on the pitch," Lewandowski, who scored twice to become the league's all-time foreign scorer, said after their big win. REUS, ALCACER ON TARGET Dortmund who at one point had a nine-point advantage over Bayern, earned a narrow 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart to stay level on points with the champions. The good news was that Paco Alcacer, without a goal in the last seven matches, and captain Marco Reus, who had not scored in five weeks due to injury, both got their 14th goals of the season. SNOW CHAOS Heavy snow caused disruption for relegation-threatened Hanover 96 in their 3-2 defeat at home by Bayer Leverkusen. Trailing 2-0, Hanover had the chance to cut the deficit when forward Genki Haraguchi fired into an empty goal only to see the ball slide to a dramatic stop in heavy snow just before the goal line. The ball was then cleared. The match was also briefly interrupted to clear the lines before the snowfall eventually subsided in the second half. KRUSE PENALTY Max Kruse scored a penalty and set up another goal in Werder Bremen's 4-2 victory over Schalke 04, confirming his fine form this season. Kruse scored his 13th consecutive Bundesliga penalty, ranking third in the all-time list with players who have a 100 percent penalty record in the league.

Talking points from the Bundesliga weekend

Borussia Dortmund are going into their Champions League Round-of-16 the second leg at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with a clear disadvantage after a 3-0 first-leg loss but the Germans will attempt a major upset, said captain Marco Reus.

Bundesliga leaders Dortmund have managed just one win in their last five league games, while also losing to Tottenham in London and being eliminated by Werder Bremen in the German Cup.

Reus, injured in the game against Werder in early February, returned on Friday but could do nothing to avert their second league loss of the season, 2-1 at Augsburg.

On Monday, he sounded confident that his team could still turn things around against the English side if they hit top form on the night.

"I think this stadium (in Dortmund) has seen its share of games where history was written," Reus told a news conference. "We can also do it. But we need a top performance and to score the goals at the right time. I think we are in a position to achieve the impossible."

Dortmund still have the best attack in the German Bundesliga but in recent weeks they have struggled to score while also conceding goals through individual errors.

Their seven-point gap a few weeks ago has now shrunk to a slim goal difference ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich while their lacklustre first-leg performance against Tottenham also raised alarm bells.

"We know in the past weeks we have gifted away points because we made too many mistakes," Reus said. "We have to remain positive and keep working.

"We have to be stronger, have a stronger mentality, like we had in the previous months. We will emerge from this."

Borussia Dortmund are going into their Champions League Round-of-16 the second leg at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with a clear disadvantage after a 3-0 first-leg loss but the Germans will attempt a major upset, said captain Marco Reus.

Borussia Dortmund are going into their Champions League Round-of-16 the second leg at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with a clear disadvantage after a 3-0 first-leg loss but the Germans will attempt a major upset, said captain Marco Reus. Bundesliga leaders Dortmund have managed just one win in their last five league games, while also losing to Tottenham in London and being eliminated by Werder Bremen in the German Cup. Reus, injured in the game against Werder in early February, returned on Friday but could do nothing to avert their second league loss of the season, 2-1 at Augsburg. On Monday, he sounded confident that his team could still turn things around against the English side if they hit top form on the night. "I think this stadium (in Dortmund) has seen its share of games where history was written," Reus told a news conference. "We can also do it. But we need a top performance and to score the goals at the right time. I think we are in a position to achieve the impossible." Dortmund still have the best attack in the German Bundesliga but in recent weeks they have struggled to score while also conceding goals through individual errors. Their seven-point gap a few weeks ago has now shrunk to a slim goal difference ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich while their lacklustre first-leg performance against Tottenham also raised alarm bells. "We know in the past weeks we have gifted away points because we made too many mistakes," Reus said. "We have to remain positive and keep working. "We have to be stronger, have a stronger mentality, like we had in the previous months. We will emerge from this."

Dortmund to attempt the impossible against Tottenham: Marco Reus

Five-talking points from the Bundesliga weekend where Borussia Dortmund reached the halfway mark with a six-point lead at the top over Bayern Munich after both teams registered victories.

Gonzalez misses a 10,000 per cent chance for stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart coach Markus Weinzierl was not in the mood to offer any comfort to his young striker Nicolas Gonzalez after the Argentine's astonishing miss early in the second half against Schalke 04, blaming it squarely for their 3-1 defeat.

Schalke was leading 1-0 when goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann gifted the ball to the 20-year-old Gonzalez who had an open goal at his mercy but sent his shot against the post.

"The turning point was definitely the 47th minute when Nicolas Gonzalez let a 10,000 per cent chance go begging," said Weinzierl.

"We did not accept the gift and that would have been very, very important... at 1-1, we could have turned the game around."

Gonzalez got on the scoresheet later - his first goal since joining Stuttgart from Argentinos Juniors in the summer but by then Schalke was 2-0 ahead.

"The lad is a bit uneasy when he has scoring chances," added Weinzierl whose side are 16th in the 18-team league.

Nagelsmann Frustrated After Hoffenheim Draw Again

Hoffenheim's sixth successive league draw left coach Julian Nagelsmann clearly frustrated as he complained that his team did all the hard work in the 1-1 stalemate against Mainz 05.

"Mainz didn't deserve a point," said the 31-year-old, whose side are seventh with 25 points. "They just played long balls forward and relied on the counter-attack.

"We invested so much and once again, we have run more than our opponents. We must make sure our efforts are rewarded - we have to be more efficient."

Reus firing on all cylinders&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus is finally enjoying an injury-free season, helping his team to the top of the table where they have 42 points and a six-point lead going into the winter break.

Reus has played in all but 37 minutes of Dortmund's 17 games so far, a welcome change for the 29-year-old who has had two long injury layoffs plus a series of nagging muscular injuries over the last five years.

"The most important thing is to be healthy because without it you can't perform," said Reus, who has scored 11 goals and provided six assists.

"It's also just about having a lot of fun. After a lot of bad injuries, it is of course more important to have fun, being on the pitch and taking every opportunity to test your body."

RB Leipzig find a replacement for Naby Keita&nbsp;

Fourth-placed RB Leipzig believe they have found a long-term successor for Naby Keita, the gifted Guinean midfielder who left for Liverpool in the summer.

The club have signed Mali's Amadou Haidara from Austrian champions Salzburg on a five-year deal, although he will not be able to make his debut until March because of a knee injury.

Haidara, 20, helped Salzburg reach the Europa League semi-finals last season and won two successive league titles after joining them from an academy in his homeland in 2016.

He also scored for Salzburg in their 3-2 win over Leipzig when the two met in the Europa League in September.

"There are not many players out there who have his potential," said Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick. "He has all the prerequisites to succeed Keita."

Ribery finds a new lease of life at Bayern

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has found a new lease of life at the age of 35, scoring a brace in Saturday's 3-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt to make it four goals in his last three appearances.

"I think it's great when lads like him still have that hunger," said Bayern's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

"I've always said that there's no such thing as a player who is too old, but rather players who are good or not so good, and he's definitely a very good player."

Five-talking points from the Bundesliga weekend where Borussia Dortmund reached the halfway mark with a six-point lead at the top over Bayern Munich after both teams registered victories.

Five-talking points from the Bundesliga weekend where Borussia Dortmund reached the halfway mark with a six-point lead at the top over Bayern Munich after both teams registered victories. Gonzalez misses a 10,000 per cent chance for stuttgart VfB Stuttgart coach Markus Weinzierl was not in the mood to offer any comfort to his young striker Nicolas Gonzalez after the Argentine's astonishing miss early in the second half against Schalke 04, blaming it squarely for their 3-1 defeat. Schalke was leading 1-0 when goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann gifted the ball to the 20-year-old Gonzalez who had an open goal at his mercy but sent his shot against the post. "The turning point was definitely the 47th minute when Nicolas Gonzalez let a 10,000 per cent chance go begging," said Weinzierl. "We did not accept the gift and that would have been very, very important... at 1-1, we could have turned the game around." Gonzalez got on the scoresheet later - his first goal since joining Stuttgart from Argentinos Juniors in the summer but by then Schalke was 2-0 ahead. "The lad is a bit uneasy when he has scoring chances," added Weinzierl whose side are 16th in the 18-team league. Nagelsmann Frustrated After Hoffenheim Draw Again Hoffenheim's sixth successive league draw left coach Julian Nagelsmann clearly frustrated as he complained that his team did all the hard work in the 1-1 stalemate against Mainz 05. "Mainz didn't deserve a point," said the 31-year-old, whose side are seventh with 25 points. "They just played long balls forward and relied on the counter-attack. "We invested so much and once again, we have run more than our opponents. We must make sure our efforts are rewarded - we have to be more efficient." Reus firing on all cylinders Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus is finally enjoying an injury-free season, helping his team to the top of the table where they have 42 points and a six-point lead going into the winter break. Reus has played in all but 37 minutes of Dortmund's 17 games so far, a welcome change for the 29-year-old who has had two long injury layoffs plus a series of nagging muscular injuries over the last five years. "The most important thing is to be healthy because without it you can't perform," said Reus, who has scored 11 goals and provided six assists. "It's also just about having a lot of fun. After a lot of bad injuries, it is of course more important to have fun, being on the pitch and taking every opportunity to test your body." RB Leipzig find a replacement for Naby Keita Fourth-placed RB Leipzig believe they have found a long-term successor for Naby Keita, the gifted Guinean midfielder who left for Liverpool in the summer. The club have signed Mali's Amadou Haidara from Austrian champions Salzburg on a five-year deal, although he will not be able to make his debut until March because of a knee injury. Haidara, 20, helped Salzburg reach the Europa League semi-finals last season and won two successive league titles after joining them from an academy in his homeland in 2016. He also scored for Salzburg in their 3-2 win over Leipzig when the two met in the Europa League in September. "There are not many players out there who have his potential," said Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick. "He has all the prerequisites to succeed Keita." Ribery finds a new lease of life at Bayern Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has found a new lease of life at the age of 35, scoring a brace in Saturday's 3-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt to make it four goals in his last three appearances. "I think it's great when lads like him still have that hunger," said Bayern's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. "I've always said that there's no such thing as a player who is too old, but rather players who are good or not so good, and he's definitely a very good player."

Only a few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund looked unbeatable in the Bundesliga, with champions Bayern Munich languishing in sixth place and seemingly out of title contention.

But with the final matchday of the year ahead of the winter break looming this weekend, rejuvenated Bayern could now move to within three points of the leaders, with a win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

The Bavarians, who edged past RB Leipzig 1-0 on Wednesday, have now won their last four league matches, and are level on 33 points with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach. Dortmund, who on Tuesday suffered their first league loss of the season, are top on 39.

"We used Dortmund's assist to close in," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told reporters.

"We showed a will to win against Leipzig. Now we must again use all our power on Saturday and get the three points in (Eintracht) Frankfurt," he said of the first league meeting against his former club.

Kovac has every right to be brimming with confidence given he was teetering on the brink of departure earlier this season when Bayern were suffering from a dip in form. 
With Dortmund facing in-form Gladbach on Friday, Bayern can hope to make up further lost ground.

"It is important to use such chances (from Dortmund`s defeat)," said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "Six points are still a lot but what will be important is the points we may get in Frankfurt."

Kovac has some concerns with wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry picking up injuries on Wednesday and injured defender Jerome Boateng still doubtful for Saturday's encounter.

Gnabry had to be taken off with a muscle injury after 28 minutes.&nbsp;

"We will have to see with Serge what the tests show. Hopefully there is nothing damaged in terms of muscle."

Dortmund's shock loss against promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf has rattled the leaders who are also almost out of central defenders for the game against Gladbach. 
Scoring goals has been no problem for Dortmund this season.

But Gladbach are almost equally efficient up front, with the league's second best attack, and Dortmund are missing injured defenders Manuel Akanji, Abdou Diallo and Dan-Axel Zagadou.

Under-23 player Amos Pieper was brought in to train with the team on Wednesday but coach Lucien Favre has not yet decided on his backline.

"He (Pieper) is an option," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said. "But we are still thinking about all of it. I cannot tell you yet how we will play."

"It was bound to happen," Favre said of the defeat. "It was just a game. We must now be thinking only of Friday now. We hate losing."

Only a few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund looked unbeatable in the Bundesliga, with champions Bayern Munich languishing in sixth place and seemingly out of title contention.

Only a few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund looked unbeatable in the Bundesliga, with champions Bayern Munich languishing in sixth place and seemingly out of title contention. But with the final matchday of the year ahead of the winter break looming this weekend, rejuvenated Bayern could now move to within three points of the leaders, with a win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. The Bavarians, who edged past RB Leipzig 1-0 on Wednesday, have now won their last four league matches, and are level on 33 points with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach. Dortmund, who on Tuesday suffered their first league loss of the season, are top on 39. "We used Dortmund's assist to close in," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told reporters. "We showed a will to win against Leipzig. Now we must again use all our power on Saturday and get the three points in (Eintracht) Frankfurt," he said of the first league meeting against his former club. Kovac has every right to be brimming with confidence given he was teetering on the brink of departure earlier this season when Bayern were suffering from a dip in form. With Dortmund facing in-form Gladbach on Friday, Bayern can hope to make up further lost ground. "It is important to use such chances (from Dortmund`s defeat)," said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "Six points are still a lot but what will be important is the points we may get in Frankfurt." Kovac has some concerns with wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry picking up injuries on Wednesday and injured defender Jerome Boateng still doubtful for Saturday's encounter. Gnabry had to be taken off with a muscle injury after 28 minutes. "We will have to see with Serge what the tests show. Hopefully there is nothing damaged in terms of muscle." Dortmund's shock loss against promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf has rattled the leaders who are also almost out of central defenders for the game against Gladbach. Scoring goals has been no problem for Dortmund this season. But Gladbach are almost equally efficient up front, with the league's second best attack, and Dortmund are missing injured defenders Manuel Akanji, Abdou Diallo and Dan-Axel Zagadou. Under-23 player Amos Pieper was brought in to train with the team on Wednesday but coach Lucien Favre has not yet decided on his backline. "He (Pieper) is an option," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said. "But we are still thinking about all of it. I cannot tell you yet how we will play." "It was bound to happen," Favre said of the defeat. "It was just a game. We must now be thinking only of Friday now. We hate losing."

Rejuvenated Bayern Munich promise nail-biting yearender

Goals by Spanish striker Paco Alcacer and forward Marcos Reus provided the 2-1 victory of Borussia Dortmund against Werder Bremen on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 12 wins and 3 draws in 15 matches, and stay on top spot in the Bundesliga standings.

Swiss coach Lucien Favre's side scored their sixth successive win at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Borussia now have a nine-point lead at the top of the standings.

Dortmund got the game underway after 19 minutes, when Paco Alcacer scored. The Spanish striker scored his eleventh goal in the German competition.

He is the tournament's top scorer and the third player in Bundesliga history to score this number of goals in his first ten matches after Horst Hrubesch and Klaus Matischak.

Eight minutes later Marcos Reus scored the second goal, which paved the way for the home side. However, Werder Bremen, in the midfield of the standings, did not yield and Max Kruse, with a good shot, shortened the gap ten minutes before half-time.

After that, the match was evenly balanced. Borussia relinquished the initiative to their opponents but Mario Goetze pushed another ball into the Bremen goal in added time, but the video assisted referee cancelled it.

Goals by Spanish striker Paco Alcacer and forward Marcos Reus provided the 2-1 victory of Borussia Dortmund against Werder Bremen on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 12 wins and 3 draws in 15 matches, and stay on top spot in the Bundesliga standings.

Goals by Spanish striker Paco Alcacer and forward Marcos Reus provided the 2-1 victory of Borussia Dortmund against Werder Bremen on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 12 wins and 3 draws in 15 matches, and stay on top spot in the Bundesliga standings. Swiss coach Lucien Favre's side scored their sixth successive win at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Borussia now have a nine-point lead at the top of the standings. Dortmund got the game underway after 19 minutes, when Paco Alcacer scored. The Spanish striker scored his eleventh goal in the German competition. He is the tournament's top scorer and the third player in Bundesliga history to score this number of goals in his first ten matches after Horst Hrubesch and Klaus Matischak. Eight minutes later Marcos Reus scored the second goal, which paved the way for the home side. However, Werder Bremen, in the midfield of the standings, did not yield and Max Kruse, with a good shot, shortened the gap ten minutes before half-time. After that, the match was evenly balanced. Borussia relinquished the initiative to their opponents but Mario Goetze pushed another ball into the Bremen goal in added time, but the video assisted referee cancelled it.

Alcacer, Reus goals help Dortmund to 2-1 win against Bremen, stay unbeaten

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho netted a late goal to give the Bundesliga leaders a 2-1 win at bitter rivals Schalke 04 in the Ruhr valley derby on Saturday and send them nine points clear.

The 18-year-old, who has scored five goals and set up six in a sparkling season so far, started a quick move down the left and then deftly slotted home the winner in the 74th minute to give Dortmund their first win over Schalke since 2015.

England international Sancho had missed training earlier this week to return to England due to a death in the family.

"It was a very hard week for him," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre.

"Jadon returned from London only yesterday evening. But he really wanted to play."

Dortmund's Thomas Delaney had earlier silenced the 60,000 crowd with a glancing header in the seventh minute after Marco Reus whipped a free kick into the box.

Bundesliga leading scorer Paco Alcacer then came close with a powerful shot as the visitors confirmed their title favourites tag with a dominant opening period.

The Royal Blues' fate looked to have been sealed late in the first half when their last fit forward, Guido Burgstaller, who had their best chance on the half-hour, had to go off injured.

However last season's runners-up, already missing injured forwards Mark Uth, Franco di Santo and Breel Embolo, earned a surprise penalty to level through Daniel Caligiuri on the hour.

Sancho then completed another fine performance to secure a fifth straight league win that lifted undefeated Dortmund to 36 points, nine ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich, who beat Nuremberg 3-0. Schalke dropped to 13th on 14 points.

"Schalke were well organised and it was hard in the first half," said Favre, who is now unbeaten in his 14 league games in charge of Dortmund. "My team stuck with it after the penalty and that was crucial. We deserved the win today."

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho netted a late goal to give the Bundesliga leaders a 2-1 win at bitter rivals Schalke 04 in the Ruhr valley derby on Saturday and send them nine points clear.

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho netted a late goal to give the Bundesliga leaders a 2-1 win at bitter rivals Schalke 04 in the Ruhr valley derby on Saturday and send them nine points clear. The 18-year-old, who has scored five goals and set up six in a sparkling season so far, started a quick move down the left and then deftly slotted home the winner in the 74th minute to give Dortmund their first win over Schalke since 2015. England international Sancho had missed training earlier this week to return to England due to a death in the family. "It was a very hard week for him," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. "Jadon returned from London only yesterday evening. But he really wanted to play." Dortmund's Thomas Delaney had earlier silenced the 60,000 crowd with a glancing header in the seventh minute after Marco Reus whipped a free kick into the box. Bundesliga leading scorer Paco Alcacer then came close with a powerful shot as the visitors confirmed their title favourites tag with a dominant opening period. The Royal Blues' fate looked to have been sealed late in the first half when their last fit forward, Guido Burgstaller, who had their best chance on the half-hour, had to go off injured. However last season's runners-up, already missing injured forwards Mark Uth, Franco di Santo and Breel Embolo, earned a surprise penalty to level through Daniel Caligiuri on the hour. Sancho then completed another fine performance to secure a fifth straight league win that lifted undefeated Dortmund to 36 points, nine ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich, who beat Nuremberg 3-0. Schalke dropped to 13th on 14 points. "Schalke were well organised and it was hard in the first half," said Favre, who is now unbeaten in his 14 league games in charge of Dortmund. "My team stuck with it after the penalty and that was crucial. We deserved the win today."

Sancho goal earns Dortmund 2-1 win in Ruhr derby

The manager and CEO of Schalke 04 said that his club can be the first team to defeat Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund when they play their arch rivals in Germany's Ruhr derby on Saturday.

While speaking to the media, Domenico Tedesco said, "I think in our team we have 85 per cent of the players who have experienced the derby. But basically both teams have changed, we have changed and Dortmund have changed."

"I think the biggest lynchpin at BVB is Marco Reus, when he's on his game then Dortmund are on a different level. He was there in our home game (last season) but after a long injury and now he's back on his game and I think for Dortmund he's an important player."

This is the first time in six years Dortmund go into the derby top of the table, but they last won at the Veltins Arena half a decade ago.&nbsp;

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A difference of 19 points and 12 places in the table separates the clubs, who are only 33kms (20miles) apart, but Schalke are itching to get one over their high-flying neighbours and bitter rivals.

Last season's match in Dortmund was particularly memorable with the home team leading 4-0 after 25 minutes, only for Schalke to come back in the second half with Naldo scoring a dramatic equaliser in injury time to draw 4-4.

Dortmund haven't won in Gelsenkirchen since 2013 and Schalke have the advantage in their all-time head-to-head record, winning 69 of the games, compared to 59 for Dortmund.

The manager and CEO of Schalke 04 said that his club can be the first team to defeat Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund when they play their arch rivals in Germany's Ruhr derby on Saturday.

The manager and CEO of Schalke 04 said that his club can be the first team to defeat Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund when they play their arch rivals in Germany's Ruhr derby on Saturday. While speaking to the media, Domenico Tedesco said, "I think in our team we have 85 per cent of the players who have experienced the derby. But basically both teams have changed, we have changed and Dortmund have changed." "I think the biggest lynchpin at BVB is Marco Reus, when he's on his game then Dortmund are on a different level. He was there in our home game (last season) but after a long injury and now he's back on his game and I think for Dortmund he's an important player." This is the first time in six years Dortmund go into the derby top of the table, but they last won at the Veltins Arena half a decade ago. 🗣️ Wise words from the coach ahead of the #Revierderby ⚔️ 👉 https://t.co/DCqNfUfOgB#s04 #S04BVB pic.twitter.com/UPWUg0qYHv — FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) December 6, 2018 × A difference of 19 points and 12 places in the table separates the clubs, who are only 33kms (20miles) apart, but Schalke are itching to get one over their high-flying neighbours and bitter rivals. Last season's match in Dortmund was particularly memorable with the home team leading 4-0 after 25 minutes, only for Schalke to come back in the second half with Naldo scoring a dramatic equaliser in injury time to draw 4-4. Dortmund haven't won in Gelsenkirchen since 2013 and Schalke have the advantage in their all-time head-to-head record, winning 69 of the games, compared to 59 for Dortmund.

Schalke out to add to Dortmund's recent derby misery

A German court found <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/borussia-dortmund-player-injured-after-three-explosions-near-team-bus-14425">Sergej Wenergold, 29, guilty</a> of launching a bomb attack on the&nbsp;Borussia Dortmund team bus last year and sentenced him to 14 years in jail.

The court pronounced Wenergold guilty of 28 counts of attempted murder.

Wenergold had denoted three explosive devices while the Borussia Dortmund team bus was on its way from the hotel to the stadium to play the Champions League match against AS Monaco in April, 2017. The match, a quarter-final first leg, was called off.

The bus was damaged as a result of the attack and a player, Spanish international Marc Bartra, was injured. &nbsp;Bartra underwent a wrist surgery after the explosion.

The explosives had shattered the bus windows and the vehicle was burned on the right-hand side.

The defendant, Wenergold, expressed "deep regret" for what he had done, saying he had not meant to harm anyone. His lawyer said he had planned the attack to trigger a fall in BVB's share price from which he could profit.

Several players of Borussia Dortmund had given tearful testimony during the trial with some breaking down

Wenergold stayed in the same hotel as the Borussia team. He had left letters suggesting an Islamist link to the blasts but German police did not find any evidence. Police arrested him 10 days after the attack.&nbsp;

Wenergold said during the trial that he was sorry, "I would like to apologise to everybody." 
&nbsp;

A German court found Sergej Wenergold, 29, guilty of launching a bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus last year and sentenced him to 14 years in jail. The court pronounced Wenergold guilty of 28 counts of attempted murder.

A German court found Sergej Wenergold, 29, guilty of launching a bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus last year and sentenced him to 14 years in jail. The court pronounced Wenergold guilty of 28 counts of attempted murder. Wenergold had denoted three explosive devices while the Borussia Dortmund team bus was on its way from the hotel to the stadium to play the Champions League match against AS Monaco in April, 2017. The match, a quarter-final first leg, was called off. The bus was damaged as a result of the attack and a player, Spanish international Marc Bartra, was injured. Bartra underwent a wrist surgery after the explosion. The explosives had shattered the bus windows and the vehicle was burned on the right-hand side. The defendant, Wenergold, expressed "deep regret" for what he had done, saying he had not meant to harm anyone. His lawyer said he had planned the attack to trigger a fall in BVB's share price from which he could profit. Several players of Borussia Dortmund had given tearful testimony during the trial with some breaking down Wenergold stayed in the same hotel as the Borussia team. He had left letters suggesting an Islamist link to the blasts but German police did not find any evidence. Police arrested him 10 days after the attack. Wenergold said during the trial that he was sorry, "I would like to apologise to everybody."

Borussia Dortmund team bus attacker gets 14-year jail sentence

Borussia Dortmund beat champions Bayern Munich 3-2 to tighten their grip on top spot in the Bundesliga, opening up a seven-point gap to their main title contenders, who dropped to fifth.

Here are some of the main talking points:

- Bayern Munich's defeat in the German 'Der Klassiker' on Saturday was the first time since 2011 that they lost a game after leading at halftime. They have collected just eight points from their last seven games.

- This is the first time since Borussia Dortmund`s title-winning 2011/12 season that they have opened up such a gap to the Bavarians.

- Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer has set a league record in his first season in Germany, needing only 218 minutes to score eight goals in the Bundesliga. The previous record stood at 519 minutes, set in 1963 by Charly Doerfel.

Spaniard Alcacer scored seven of the eight goals as a substitute, including the winner on Saturday.

- RB Leipzig stretched their unbeaten run to 10 league matches and moved into third place after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 on Sunday. Leipzig`s last league defeat was on the first matchday of the season back in August against Dortmund.

- Eintracht Frankfurt also have a good run going. They are , unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions -- six of them in the league -- and winning eight of them.&nbsp;

Luka Jovic scored twice in their 3-0 victory over struggling Schalke 04 to take his tally to nine goals, more than the entire Schalke team have scored so far.

- There was more bad news for Schalke with forward Mark Uth being ruled out for some time with a leg muscle injury he picked up on Sunday. The Royal Blues, runners-up last season, are a point above the relegation zone.

Borussia Dortmund beat champions Bayern Munich 3-2 to tighten their grip on top spot in the Bundesliga, opening up a seven-point gap to their main title contenders, who dropped to fifth.

Borussia Dortmund beat champions Bayern Munich 3-2 to tighten their grip on top spot in the Bundesliga, opening up a seven-point gap to their main title contenders, who dropped to fifth. Here are some of the main talking points: - Bayern Munich's defeat in the German 'Der Klassiker' on Saturday was the first time since 2011 that they lost a game after leading at halftime. They have collected just eight points from their last seven games. - This is the first time since Borussia Dortmund`s title-winning 2011/12 season that they have opened up such a gap to the Bavarians. - Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer has set a league record in his first season in Germany, needing only 218 minutes to score eight goals in the Bundesliga. The previous record stood at 519 minutes, set in 1963 by Charly Doerfel. Spaniard Alcacer scored seven of the eight goals as a substitute, including the winner on Saturday. - RB Leipzig stretched their unbeaten run to 10 league matches and moved into third place after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 on Sunday. Leipzig`s last league defeat was on the first matchday of the season back in August against Dortmund. - Eintracht Frankfurt also have a good run going. They are , unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions -- six of them in the league -- and winning eight of them. Luka Jovic scored twice in their 3-0 victory over struggling Schalke 04 to take his tally to nine goals, more than the entire Schalke team have scored so far. - There was more bad news for Schalke with forward Mark Uth being ruled out for some time with a leg muscle injury he picked up on Sunday. The Royal Blues, runners-up last season, are a point above the relegation zone.

Paco Alcacer scored the winner as Bundesliga leaders&nbsp;Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;twice came from behind to beat defending champions Bayern Munich 3-2 on Saturday and move seven points clear of their third-placed rivals.

The result piles added pressure on Bayern head coach Niko Kovac, as his side's chances of winning a seventh straight title in his first season in charge took another blow.

"We allowed ourselves to be beaten twice on the counter, that shouldn't have happened," said Kovac.

"We should have been more compact and unfortunately we lost a game which should have been a draw," he added after Robert Lewandowski had two second-half goals disallowed for offside.

Bayern have now been beaten in three of their last six Bundesliga games after defeats by Hertha Berlin and&nbsp;Borussia&nbsp;Moenchengladbach, managing just eight points from the last 21 available.

They will drop to fourth in the table on Sunday if RB Leipzig beat Bayer Leverkusen at home.

Lucien Favre's&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;remain unbeaten and four points clear of second-placed Gladbach at the top of the table.

After Lewandowski twice gave Bayern the lead at Signal Iduna Park against his former club,&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;captain Marco Reus hit two equalisers before substitute Alcacer struck in the 73rd minute.

"We didn't trust ourselves in the first half, but we played awesome football after the break and it was great fun," said Reus.

Alcacer has now scored eight goals in six league appearances since signing on loan from Barcelona.

Bayern took a deserved lead when Serge Gnabry curled in a cross for Lewandowski to power a header past stand-in&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;goalkeeper Marwin Hitz on 26 minutes.

It was 1-0 at the break, but&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;drew level when Manuel Neuer brought Reus down in the area in the 49th minute and the skipper calmly converted the penalty.

Lewandowski restored the lead three minutes later, heading home his second -- his 14th goal in 16 matches for Bayern against&nbsp;Dortmund, who he left in 2014 on a free transfer.

Reus had a chance cleared off the line on 59 minutes, just before Lewandowski had the ball in the&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;net, but was flagged for offside.

- Tense finish -

It was end-to-end stuff as Alcacer, then Reus blew golden chances before both made amends with goals.

Reus finally fired&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;level when he volleyed home a Lukasz Piszczek cross in the 67th minute.

Then when Franck Ribery gave the ball away, Alcacer showed some classy finishing by rounding Neuer to put&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;ahead for the first time.

Bayern kept the pressure on during a tense five minutes of added time.

Lewandowski had the ball in the net for a fourth time, but again the flag went up for offside to the delight of the home fans in the sell-out 81,365 crowd.

"That was a crazy game, a great advert for the Bundesliga and the win wasn't undeserved," said&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;boss Favre.

- Plea hat-trick -

Earlier, Alassane Plea scored a quickfire hat-trick for second-placed Gladbach, who are three points ahead of Bayern, in their 3-1 win at Werder Bremen.

Plea took just 13 minutes to claim his hat-trick to leave him level on eight goals at the top of the goalscoring charts along with Alcacer and Lewandowski.

Hosts Bremen suffered their third straight league defeat to drop further back in the title race to sit seventh.

Ten-man Hertha Berlin, who like Bremen have seen their title aspirations fall apart, crashed to a 4-1 defeat at struggling Fortuna Duesseldorf after winger Maximilian Mittelstaedt was sent off for two yellow cards in the first half.

However, Fortuna remain second from bottom after VfB Stuttgart also claimed victory as defender Timo Baumgartl and midfielder Erik Thommy scored in a 2-0 win at Nuremberg.

English teenager Reiss Nelson scored an 84th-minute winner as Hoffenheim built on their 2-2 draw at Lyon in the Champions League in midweek with a 2-1 win at home to Augsburg.

Nelson, on loan from Arsenal, settled the matter with his sixth goal in seven league games just two minutes after coming on.

Mainz are up to ninth after they backed up last weekend's win over Bremen with a 3-1 victory at Freiburg.

Paco Alcacer scored the winner as Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund twice came from behind to beat defending champions Bayern Munich 3-2 on Saturday and move seven points clear of their third-placed rivals.

Paco Alcacer scored the winner as Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund twice came from behind to beat defending champions Bayern Munich 3-2 on Saturday and move seven points clear of their third-placed rivals. The result piles added pressure on Bayern head coach Niko Kovac, as his side's chances of winning a seventh straight title in his first season in charge took another blow. "We allowed ourselves to be beaten twice on the counter, that shouldn't have happened," said Kovac. "We should have been more compact and unfortunately we lost a game which should have been a draw," he added after Robert Lewandowski had two second-half goals disallowed for offside. Bayern have now been beaten in three of their last six Bundesliga games after defeats by Hertha Berlin and Borussia Moenchengladbach, managing just eight points from the last 21 available. They will drop to fourth in the table on Sunday if RB Leipzig beat Bayer Leverkusen at home. Lucien Favre's Dortmund remain unbeaten and four points clear of second-placed Gladbach at the top of the table. After Lewandowski twice gave Bayern the lead at Signal Iduna Park against his former club, Dortmund captain Marco Reus hit two equalisers before substitute Alcacer struck in the 73rd minute. "We didn't trust ourselves in the first half, but we played awesome football after the break and it was great fun," said Reus. Alcacer has now scored eight goals in six league appearances since signing on loan from Barcelona. Bayern took a deserved lead when Serge Gnabry curled in a cross for Lewandowski to power a header past stand-in Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz on 26 minutes. It was 1-0 at the break, but Dortmund drew level when Manuel Neuer brought Reus down in the area in the 49th minute and the skipper calmly converted the penalty. Lewandowski restored the lead three minutes later, heading home his second -- his 14th goal in 16 matches for Bayern against Dortmund, who he left in 2014 on a free transfer. Reus had a chance cleared off the line on 59 minutes, just before Lewandowski had the ball in the Dortmund net, but was flagged for offside. - Tense finish - It was end-to-end stuff as Alcacer, then Reus blew golden chances before both made amends with goals. Reus finally fired Dortmund level when he volleyed home a Lukasz Piszczek cross in the 67th minute. Then when Franck Ribery gave the ball away, Alcacer showed some classy finishing by rounding Neuer to put Dortmund ahead for the first time. Bayern kept the pressure on during a tense five minutes of added time. Lewandowski had the ball in the net for a fourth time, but again the flag went up for offside to the delight of the home fans in the sell-out 81,365 crowd. "That was a crazy game, a great advert for the Bundesliga and the win wasn't undeserved," said Dortmund boss Favre. - Plea hat-trick - Earlier, Alassane Plea scored a quickfire hat-trick for second-placed Gladbach, who are three points ahead of Bayern, in their 3-1 win at Werder Bremen. Plea took just 13 minutes to claim his hat-trick to leave him level on eight goals at the top of the goalscoring charts along with Alcacer and Lewandowski. Hosts Bremen suffered their third straight league defeat to drop further back in the title race to sit seventh. Ten-man Hertha Berlin, who like Bremen have seen their title aspirations fall apart, crashed to a 4-1 defeat at struggling Fortuna Duesseldorf after winger Maximilian Mittelstaedt was sent off for two yellow cards in the first half. However, Fortuna remain second from bottom after VfB Stuttgart also claimed victory as defender Timo Baumgartl and midfielder Erik Thommy scored in a 2-0 win at Nuremberg. English teenager Reiss Nelson scored an 84th-minute winner as Hoffenheim built on their 2-2 draw at Lyon in the Champions League in midweek with a 2-1 win at home to Augsburg. Nelson, on loan from Arsenal, settled the matter with his sixth goal in seven league games just two minutes after coming on. Mainz are up to ninth after they backed up last weekend's win over Bremen with a 3-1 victory at Freiburg.

Bundesliga: Alcacer scores winner as Dortmund beat defending champions Bayern

Atletico Madrid dominated a toothless Borussia Dortmund to win 2-0 in their Champions League Group A match on Tuesday, exacting some revenge for last month's heavy loss in Germany and snapping their opponents' unbeaten run this season.

Saul Niguez fired the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute and Antoine Griezmann added another in the 80th in a one-sided match that ended Dortmund's unbeaten run in all competitions since the start of the season.

The Germans, who had close to 65 percent possession, did not manage a single shot on goal in the entire match and had a total of just two efforts off target.

"We really wanted to give them a game after they hammered us in Germany," World Cup winner Griezmann told reporters.

"We learned from our errors and delivered a much better image of ourselves tonight. We had important players injured but the team has respond."

The result lifted Atletico to nine points, level with leaders Dortmund, with two games left in the group stage.

Belgium's Club Bruges are third on four points after beating AS Monaco 4-0 earlier on Tuesday with the top two advancing to the knockout stage.

Dortmund, who face Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday, found themselves on the backfoot from the start with Diego Simeone's team eager to make amends for their 4-0 demolition in Dortmund last month.

The injury-hit Spaniards, missing several regulars including captain Diego Godin and Koke, still packed a considerable punch, and Angel Correa tested keeper Roman Buerki early on.

With Dortmund opting to defend in numbers rather than attack, the breakthrough for Atletico came when Saul fired in to complete a swift move that had split open the German defence.

Dortmund, the last German team to win a Champions League game at Atletico in their title-winning 1996-97 season, were in disarray and Saul went close to a second goal in the 41st minute, firing narrowly wide.

Buerki rescued Dortmund twice more before the visitors were saved by the halftime whistle.

The Swiss then denied Correa again on the hour before Dortmund had a rare chance of their own with substitute Raphael Guerreiro's header.

Atletico captain Griezmann put the result beyond doubt when he broke free, charging into the box and slipping the ball past Buerki to seal victory on his 50th Champions League appearance.

"Atletico did it really well, waiting for us and we just lost the ball far too often and then it becomes really difficult against such a team," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said.

"Having so much possession, that is positive, but we have to do more with this. We were too static."

Atletico Madrid dominated a toothless Borussia Dortmund to win 2-0 in their Champions League Group A match on Tuesday, exacting some revenge for last month's heavy loss in Germany and snapping their opponents' unbeaten run this season.

Atletico Madrid dominated a toothless Borussia Dortmund to win 2-0 in their Champions League Group A match on Tuesday, exacting some revenge for last month's heavy loss in Germany and snapping their opponents' unbeaten run this season. Saul Niguez fired the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute and Antoine Griezmann added another in the 80th in a one-sided match that ended Dortmund's unbeaten run in all competitions since the start of the season. The Germans, who had close to 65 percent possession, did not manage a single shot on goal in the entire match and had a total of just two efforts off target. "We really wanted to give them a game after they hammered us in Germany," World Cup winner Griezmann told reporters. "We learned from our errors and delivered a much better image of ourselves tonight. We had important players injured but the team has respond." The result lifted Atletico to nine points, level with leaders Dortmund, with two games left in the group stage. Belgium's Club Bruges are third on four points after beating AS Monaco 4-0 earlier on Tuesday with the top two advancing to the knockout stage. Dortmund, who face Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday, found themselves on the backfoot from the start with Diego Simeone's team eager to make amends for their 4-0 demolition in Dortmund last month. The injury-hit Spaniards, missing several regulars including captain Diego Godin and Koke, still packed a considerable punch, and Angel Correa tested keeper Roman Buerki early on. With Dortmund opting to defend in numbers rather than attack, the breakthrough for Atletico came when Saul fired in to complete a swift move that had split open the German defence. Dortmund, the last German team to win a Champions League game at Atletico in their title-winning 1996-97 season, were in disarray and Saul went close to a second goal in the 41st minute, firing narrowly wide. Buerki rescued Dortmund twice more before the visitors were saved by the halftime whistle. The Swiss then denied Correa again on the hour before Dortmund had a rare chance of their own with substitute Raphael Guerreiro's header. Atletico captain Griezmann put the result beyond doubt when he broke free, charging into the box and slipping the ball past Buerki to seal victory on his 50th Champions League appearance. "Atletico did it really well, waiting for us and we just lost the ball far too often and then it becomes really difficult against such a team," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said. "Having so much possession, that is positive, but we have to do more with this. We were too static."

Atletico snap Dortmund's unbeaten run with 2-0 win

Champions Bayern Munich cut the gap to leaders Borussia Dortmund but were far from impressive in their 2-1 victory at Mainz 05 on Saturday as they made it three wins in three matches in all competitions following their early-season dip in form.

Leon Goretzka put the visitors ahead in the 39th minute after an earlier effort by Thiago Alcantara was ruled out following the use of the video assistant referee.

Mainz did not have to wait long for an equaliser, with Jean-Paul Boetius striding into the box in the 48th to drill in a cross after being left completely unmarked.

Spaniard Thiago got his goal in the 62nd minute to put Bayern back in front and Javi Martinez hit the woodwork a little later as Bayern hung on to their slim lead and the three points.

"It was a hard-earned win for us and it was certainly not as sparkling as we had hoped it would be," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told reporters.

"But in the current situation we are happy with the three wins in a row. It was still a deserved win and we hope it continues like that."

Bayern, who have been under pressure after a dip in form early in the season, lacked a clear game plan, especially in attack, and never really hit top speed against lowly Mainz.

"I was not nervous after they equalised," said Kovac. "But I was angry because we did not do what we set out to do after the break. We are caught napping during a cross and then bring ourselves into difficulty."

The champions are now on 19 points in second place, two behind Dortmund, who drew 2-2 against Hertha Berlin.

The Bavarians have now won all three games in all competitions since club bosses launched a verbal attack on the media last week, blaming them for what they said was unfair reporting during their four-game winless run.

Champions Bayern Munich cut the gap to leaders Borussia Dortmund but were far from impressive in their 2-1 victory at Mainz 05 on Saturday as they made it three wins in three matches in all competitions following their early-season dip in form.

Champions Bayern Munich cut the gap to leaders Borussia Dortmund but were far from impressive in their 2-1 victory at Mainz 05 on Saturday as they made it three wins in three matches in all competitions following their early-season dip in form. Leon Goretzka put the visitors ahead in the 39th minute after an earlier effort by Thiago Alcantara was ruled out following the use of the video assistant referee. Mainz did not have to wait long for an equaliser, with Jean-Paul Boetius striding into the box in the 48th to drill in a cross after being left completely unmarked. Spaniard Thiago got his goal in the 62nd minute to put Bayern back in front and Javi Martinez hit the woodwork a little later as Bayern hung on to their slim lead and the three points. "It was a hard-earned win for us and it was certainly not as sparkling as we had hoped it would be," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told reporters. "But in the current situation we are happy with the three wins in a row. It was still a deserved win and we hope it continues like that." Bayern, who have been under pressure after a dip in form early in the season, lacked a clear game plan, especially in attack, and never really hit top speed against lowly Mainz. "I was not nervous after they equalised," said Kovac. "But I was angry because we did not do what we set out to do after the break. We are caught napping during a cross and then bring ourselves into difficulty." The champions are now on 19 points in second place, two behind Dortmund, who drew 2-2 against Hertha Berlin. The Bavarians have now won all three games in all competitions since club bosses launched a verbal attack on the media last week, blaming them for what they said was unfair reporting during their four-game winless run.

Bayern Munich edge Mainz 2-1, close gap to leaders Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund cruised past Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their Champions League match on Wednesday with two goals from substitute Raphael Guerreiro helping propel them to the top of Group A.

The Germans, unbeaten in all competitions so far this season but without injured in-form striker Paco Alcacer, grabbed the lead through Axel Witsel in the 38th minute with a slightly deflected effort.

Apart from an Antoine Griezmann effort, Atletico never threatened in the first half, but came out battling after the break with Saul Niguez rattling the crossbar with a curled shot in the 52nd.

Saul had another three chances in the following minutes as Atletico seemingly edged closer to an equaliser and kept the Germans on the backfoot.

But Dortmund timed their second goal to perfection to take some of the pressure off, with substitute Guerreiro, who had come on in the 63rd, tapping in from close range from an Achraf Hakimi pass.

Hakimi then delivered another assist for another substitute Jadon Sancho to grab Dortmund's third with his first European goal in the 83rd before Guerreiro completed their victory with his second of the evening six minutes later.

Atletico had hit the woodwork for the second time in the 78th minute but had to accept a crushing loss, their first Champions League defeat of the season.

Dortmund, who have yet to concede a goal in the competition, are top on nine points from three games, with Atletico second on six.

Borussia Dortmund cruised past Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their Champions League match on Wednesday with two goals from substitute Raphael Guerreiro helping propel them to the top of Group A.

Borussia Dortmund cruised past Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their Champions League match on Wednesday with two goals from substitute Raphael Guerreiro helping propel them to the top of Group A. The Germans, unbeaten in all competitions so far this season but without injured in-form striker Paco Alcacer, grabbed the lead through Axel Witsel in the 38th minute with a slightly deflected effort. Apart from an Antoine Griezmann effort, Atletico never threatened in the first half, but came out battling after the break with Saul Niguez rattling the crossbar with a curled shot in the 52nd. Saul had another three chances in the following minutes as Atletico seemingly edged closer to an equaliser and kept the Germans on the backfoot. But Dortmund timed their second goal to perfection to take some of the pressure off, with substitute Guerreiro, who had come on in the 63rd, tapping in from close range from an Achraf Hakimi pass. Hakimi then delivered another assist for another substitute Jadon Sancho to grab Dortmund's third with his first European goal in the 83rd before Guerreiro completed their victory with his second of the evening six minutes later. Atletico had hit the woodwork for the second time in the 78th minute but had to accept a crushing loss, their first Champions League defeat of the season. Dortmund, who have yet to concede a goal in the competition, are top on nine points from three games, with Atletico second on six.

Sparkling Dortmund crush Atletico 4-0 to top Group A

Borussia Dortmund stayed top of the Bundesliga by beating Augsburg 4-3 thanks to a remarkable 30-minute hat-trick from substitute Paco Alcacer on Saturday while titleholders Bayern Munich were thumped 3-0 at home by Borussia Moenchengladbach.

An extraordinary see-saw match in Dortmund produced four goals in the last 10 minutes as the hosts hit back from 2-1 down to lead 3-2, defiant Augsburg equalised and Alcacer grabbed the winner with the last kick of the game.

Bayern, on the other hand, fell two goals behind in the first 16 minutes as they slumped to their fourth match without a win in all competitions -- a crisis by the exacting standards of the Bavarian side.

Alcacer, on loan from Barcelona, has scored a remarkable six goals in three league appearances, all of them as substitute, and a total of 81 minutes' playing time.

Alfred Finnbogason gave Augsburg a halftime lead before Alcacer scored with his first touch in the 62nd minute, three minutes after coming on, as he turned in Jadon Sancho's pass following a lethal counter-attack.

Philipp Max volleyed Augsburg back in front before Alcacer levelled again in the 80th minute, getting away from his marker to latch on to a free kick and score with a shot on the turn.

Substitute Mario Goetze, playing his first league match of the season, put Dortmund ahead for the first time four minutes later.

Michael Gregoritsch headed Augsburg level from a corner in the 87th minute but the drama was still not over.

Augsburg substitute Sergio Cordova clumsily gave away a free kick with a high challenge and Alcacer curled his shot around the wall in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

"It was not our best game, but it was fantastic for the spectators and for us. We kept trying; it was very hard to find a few gaps and Augsburg are very dangerous," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre.

Dortmund, the only unbeaten team after seven games, lead with 17 points, three ahead of Moenchengladbach, Werder Bremen, and Hertha Berlin, who beat Bayern last week and drew 0-0 at Mainz 05 on Saturday.

Bremen beat VfL Wolfsburg 2-0 in the Friday match.

Gladbach have often been Bayern's tormentors over the last few years and so it proved again.

Alassane Plea fired home from the edge of the penalty area following a quick exchange of passes in the 10th minute and Lars Stindl fired the second after Jonas Hofmann dispossessed Thiago Alcantara as he tried to play the ball out of defence.

Bayern dominated possession only to be caught out again on the break as Patrick Herrmann fired the third with two minutes left, the goal being confirmed by a VAR review.

"I said a few words to the team but that should stay in the dressing room," said Bayern coach Nico Kovac who is in his first season in charge.

"We made too many individual mistakes. Sometimes you have good times, then you have bad times, everybody is trying but at the moment it is not working out. You have to work as a unit, with the ball and without the ball."

American midfielder Weston McKennie, who scored a late winner at Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed up by grabbing his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke 04 to set up a 2-0 win at Fortuna Duesseldorf.

The 20-year-old, playing his 28th league match for the Royal Blues, turned in Suat Serdar's pass at the near post three minutes into the second half and Guido Burgstaller added the second.

It was Schalke's second win in a row after they lost their five opening games.

Bobby Wood completed a good day for U.S. players by scoring a brace to give Hanover 96 their first win of the season and lift them off the bottom with a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart.

Ihlas Bebou was also on target for Hanover and Mario Gomez replied for Stuttgart.

Borussia Dortmund stayed top of the Bundesliga by beating Augsburg 4-3 thanks to a remarkable 30-minute hat-trick from substitute Paco Alcacer on Saturday while titleholders Bayern Munich were thumped 3-0 at home by Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Borussia Dortmund stayed top of the Bundesliga by beating Augsburg 4-3 thanks to a remarkable 30-minute hat-trick from substitute Paco Alcacer on Saturday while titleholders Bayern Munich were thumped 3-0 at home by Borussia Moenchengladbach. An extraordinary see-saw match in Dortmund produced four goals in the last 10 minutes as the hosts hit back from 2-1 down to lead 3-2, defiant Augsburg equalised and Alcacer grabbed the winner with the last kick of the game. Bayern, on the other hand, fell two goals behind in the first 16 minutes as they slumped to their fourth match without a win in all competitions -- a crisis by the exacting standards of the Bavarian side. Alcacer, on loan from Barcelona, has scored a remarkable six goals in three league appearances, all of them as substitute, and a total of 81 minutes' playing time. Alfred Finnbogason gave Augsburg a halftime lead before Alcacer scored with his first touch in the 62nd minute, three minutes after coming on, as he turned in Jadon Sancho's pass following a lethal counter-attack. Philipp Max volleyed Augsburg back in front before Alcacer levelled again in the 80th minute, getting away from his marker to latch on to a free kick and score with a shot on the turn. Substitute Mario Goetze, playing his first league match of the season, put Dortmund ahead for the first time four minutes later. Michael Gregoritsch headed Augsburg level from a corner in the 87th minute but the drama was still not over. Augsburg substitute Sergio Cordova clumsily gave away a free kick with a high challenge and Alcacer curled his shot around the wall in the fifth minute of stoppage time. "It was not our best game, but it was fantastic for the spectators and for us. We kept trying; it was very hard to find a few gaps and Augsburg are very dangerous," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. Dortmund, the only unbeaten team after seven games, lead with 17 points, three ahead of Moenchengladbach, Werder Bremen, and Hertha Berlin, who beat Bayern last week and drew 0-0 at Mainz 05 on Saturday. Bremen beat VfL Wolfsburg 2-0 in the Friday match. Gladbach have often been Bayern's tormentors over the last few years and so it proved again. Alassane Plea fired home from the edge of the penalty area following a quick exchange of passes in the 10th minute and Lars Stindl fired the second after Jonas Hofmann dispossessed Thiago Alcantara as he tried to play the ball out of defence. Bayern dominated possession only to be caught out again on the break as Patrick Herrmann fired the third with two minutes left, the goal being confirmed by a VAR review. "I said a few words to the team but that should stay in the dressing room," said Bayern coach Nico Kovac who is in his first season in charge. "We made too many individual mistakes. Sometimes you have good times, then you have bad times, everybody is trying but at the moment it is not working out. You have to work as a unit, with the ball and without the ball." American midfielder Weston McKennie, who scored a late winner at Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed up by grabbing his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke 04 to set up a 2-0 win at Fortuna Duesseldorf. The 20-year-old, playing his 28th league match for the Royal Blues, turned in Suat Serdar's pass at the near post three minutes into the second half and Guido Burgstaller added the second. It was Schalke's second win in a row after they lost their five opening games. Bobby Wood completed a good day for U.S. players by scoring a brace to give Hanover 96 their first win of the season and lift them off the bottom with a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart. Ihlas Bebou was also on target for Hanover and Mario Gomez replied for Stuttgart.

Borussia Dortmund top after Alcacer hat-trick, Bayern thumped

Usain Bolt, one of the most successful athletes of all time having won eight Olympic gold medals, is ready to start a new career and live his dream of playing football at an age when most footballers hang&nbsp;up their boots.

&quot;My goal is to make a top team and play in one of the top leagues in the world&quot;

31-year old Bolt was recently invited by German&nbsp;giants Borussia Dortmund of Bundesliga league to train with the &#39;Black &amp; Yellow.&#39; Almost 200 journalists and 1500 fans had gathered to cheer for the sprinting legend.

Borussia Dortmund live-streamed the training session and in China alone 1.2 million viewers tuned in. The Chinese seemed excited because in recent years football has grown massive&nbsp;in the country.

Recently, Chinese teams have bought some good players, not to forget the recent transfer of Javier Mascherano from FC Barcelona to&nbsp;Hebei China Fortune, to increase their presence&nbsp;in the game.&nbsp;

During the training session, Bolt sent a warning to the footballing fraternity by netting with a beautiful header.

Watch the video here:

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He just needs good service ⚡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usainbolt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BVBolt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BVBolt</a> <a href="https://t.co/qe5K7xykNv">pic.twitter.com/qe5K7xykNv</a>
&mdash; Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundesliga_EN/status/977142325251137536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;Overall, I&rsquo;d give myself a seven out of 10,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It was fun, the guys were cool and they were welcoming, but I can tell I was unfit.&quot;

&ldquo;I like to play on the wing, right now I am unfit so I try to stay up top [as a striker]. I&rsquo;ve heard a lot about the fans here &ndash; that really was an experience.&rdquo;

Bolt said he is serious about realising his &#39;dream&#39; of becoming a top-class footballer after training with Borussia Dortmund. But the question here is, whether he is ready or not?

He will undoubtedly have speed, more than anyone who has ever played, but the dribbling&nbsp;skills are certainly not there. Speed is nice, skills and accuracy are necessary. Football skill has no value to sprint speed, but sprint speed has a big value to football skill.

As expected, Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder, showed phenomenal pace over the turf during the training sessions but to play in the world&#39;s competitive leagues against legends like Messi, Ronaldo etc, speed is not enough.

Speed also is often a curse in football as the twists and turns on the pitch often lead to lengthy injury spells for fleet-footed players.

His weight is also an issue, Usain Bolt is too heavy for football. The only place he can play for 90 minutes is as the goalkeeper. Nobody plays football or soccer at 90 kg and above. Even the big central defender is only 80 kg.

In the recent training session, he refused to measure himself against Dortmund&rsquo;s professionals that he advocated by saying, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t compare myself to them yet. I want to play at the level I know I can, to improve and to learn from them.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Until then, I am just going to working hard and pushing myself,&rdquo; he further added.

Fans and spectators will find the answers soon as is already due to play at Old Trafford stadium in a charity football match on June 10.

Bolt was recently invited by German giants Borussia Dortmund

Usain Bolt, one of the most successful athletes of all time having won eight Olympic gold medals, is ready to start a new career and live his dream of playing football at an age when most footballers hang up their boots. "My goal is to make a top team and play in one of the top leagues in the world" 31-year old Bolt was recently invited by German giants Borussia Dortmund of Bundesliga league to train with the 'Black & Yellow.' Almost 200 journalists and 1500 fans had gathered to cheer for the sprinting legend. Borussia Dortmund live-streamed the training session and in China alone 1.2 million viewers tuned in. The Chinese seemed excited because in recent years football has grown massive in the country. Recently, Chinese teams have bought some good players, not to forget the recent transfer of Javier Mascherano from FC Barcelona to Hebei China Fortune, to increase their presence in the game. During the training session, Bolt sent a warning to the footballing fraternity by netting with a beautiful header. Watch the video here: He just needs good service ⚡️ @usainbolt #BVBolt pic.twitter.com/qe5K7xykNv — Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) March 23, 2018 × “Overall, I’d give myself a seven out of 10,” he said. “It was fun, the guys were cool and they were welcoming, but I can tell I was unfit." “I like to play on the wing, right now I am unfit so I try to stay up top [as a striker]. I’ve heard a lot about the fans here – that really was an experience.” Bolt said he is serious about realising his 'dream' of becoming a top-class footballer after training with Borussia Dortmund. But the question here is, whether he is ready or not? He will undoubtedly have speed, more than anyone who has ever played, but the dribbling skills are certainly not there. Speed is nice, skills and accuracy are necessary. Football skill has no value to sprint speed, but sprint speed has a big value to football skill. As expected, Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder, showed phenomenal pace over the turf during the training sessions but to play in the world's competitive leagues against legends like Messi, Ronaldo etc, speed is not enough. Speed also is often a curse in football as the twists and turns on the pitch often lead to lengthy injury spells for fleet-footed players. His weight is also an issue, Usain Bolt is too heavy for football. The only place he can play for 90 minutes is as the goalkeeper. Nobody plays football or soccer at 90 kg and above. Even the big central defender is only 80 kg. In the recent training session, he refused to measure himself against Dortmund’s professionals that he advocated by saying, “I don’t compare myself to them yet. I want to play at the level I know I can, to improve and to learn from them.” “Until then, I am just going to working hard and pushing myself,” he further added. Fans and spectators will find the answers soon as is already due to play at Old Trafford stadium in a charity football match on June 10.

Watch: Usain Bolt scores header, but far away from getting footballer's tag

Napoli went down 3-1 at home to RB Leipzig, Arsenal and AC Milan enjoyed comfortable away wins, and Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Michy Batshuayi scored twice to secure a 3-2 victory in Europa League last 32, first leg action on Thursday.

Italian league leaders Napoli went ahead against Leipzig but slumped to a 3-1 defeat after a Timo Werner brace, Arsenal overcame Sweden&#39;s Ostersunds 3-0 helped by an own goal and Milan won by the same score against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

Batshuayi took his tally to five goals in three games since joining Dortmund on loan from Chelsea, with his double against Atalanta hauling the Germans side back from 2-1 down after Josip Ilicic scored twice in five minutes for the Italians.

Nice striker Mario Balotelli also scored two goals against Lokomotiv Moscow only to be upstaged by a Manuel Fernandes hat-trick as the visitors hit back to win 3-2.

Twice former winners Atletico Madrid recovered from an early fright to win 4-1 at FC Copenhagen as Saul Niguez, Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann and Vitolo shared the goals after Victor Fischer had put the Danish side in front.

FCSB, formerly Steaua Bucharest, beat Lazio 1-0 and Celtic overcame Zenit St Petersburg by the same score.

Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has made it clear that his priority lies in Serie A and a disappointingly sparse crowd turned up for the visit of Leipzig.

Adam Ounas gave Napoli the lead early in the second half, the Algerian&#39;s first goal for the club, but the away side made the most of shoddy defending to turn the game around.

Werner levelled with an opportunist finish, then Bruma finished off a counter-attack and Werner added another in stoppage time as Napoli were again caught on the break.

Best Hope

Arsenal&#39;s Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil were on target at Ostersunds either side of a Sotirios Papagiannopoulos own goal.

Like the Londoners, Milan&#39;s best hope of Champions League football next season appears to be by winning the Europa League. Patrick Cutrone, a Ricardo Rodriguez penalty and Fabio Borini gave them an impressive win at Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

Balotelli took his tally to 21 goals this term for Nice, where he is in his second season enjoying a new lease of life.

The maverick Italian slotted home after four minutes and converted a penalty in the 28th, sending Lokomotiv keeper Guilherme the wrong way after a Nemanja Pejcinovic handball.

Not to be outdone, Fernandes replied with a penalty before halftime and curled in a free kick to equalize in the 67th before completing his second Europa League hat-trick this term from Anton Miranchuk&#39;s cross.

Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz, 37, scored twice in a 3-1 win at Spartak Moscow, while their Basque rivals Real Socieded were held 2-2 at home by Salzburg.

Sporting&#39;s Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins and Seydou Doumbia scored in an eight-minute spell after halftime as they came from behind to win 3-1 on Astana&#39;s artificial pitch in Kazakhstan where Marin Tomasov gave the hosts an early lead.

The roof was closed for the match with temperatures hovering around minus 20 Celsius outside.

&nbsp;

Napoli went down 3-1 at home to RB Leipzig, Arsenal and AC Milan enjoyed comfortable away wins, and Borussia Dortmund's Michy Batshuayi scored twice to secure a 3-2 victory in Europa League last 32, first leg

Napoli went down 3-1 at home to RB Leipzig, Arsenal and AC Milan enjoyed comfortable away wins, and Borussia Dortmund's Michy Batshuayi scored twice to secure a 3-2 victory in Europa League last 32, first leg action on Thursday. Italian league leaders Napoli went ahead against Leipzig but slumped to a 3-1 defeat after a Timo Werner brace, Arsenal overcame Sweden's Ostersunds 3-0 helped by an own goal and Milan won by the same score against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets. Batshuayi took his tally to five goals in three games since joining Dortmund on loan from Chelsea, with his double against Atalanta hauling the Germans side back from 2-1 down after Josip Ilicic scored twice in five minutes for the Italians. Nice striker Mario Balotelli also scored two goals against Lokomotiv Moscow only to be upstaged by a Manuel Fernandes hat-trick as the visitors hit back to win 3-2. Twice former winners Atletico Madrid recovered from an early fright to win 4-1 at FC Copenhagen as Saul Niguez, Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann and Vitolo shared the goals after Victor Fischer had put the Danish side in front. FCSB, formerly Steaua Bucharest, beat Lazio 1-0 and Celtic overcame Zenit St Petersburg by the same score. Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has made it clear that his priority lies in Serie A and a disappointingly sparse crowd turned up for the visit of Leipzig. Adam Ounas gave Napoli the lead early in the second half, the Algerian's first goal for the club, but the away side made the most of shoddy defending to turn the game around. Werner levelled with an opportunist finish, then Bruma finished off a counter-attack and Werner added another in stoppage time as Napoli were again caught on the break. Best Hope Arsenal's Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil were on target at Ostersunds either side of a Sotirios Papagiannopoulos own goal. Like the Londoners, Milan's best hope of Champions League football next season appears to be by winning the Europa League. Patrick Cutrone, a Ricardo Rodriguez penalty and Fabio Borini gave them an impressive win at Bulgarian champions Ludogorets. Balotelli took his tally to 21 goals this term for Nice, where he is in his second season enjoying a new lease of life. The maverick Italian slotted home after four minutes and converted a penalty in the 28th, sending Lokomotiv keeper Guilherme the wrong way after a Nemanja Pejcinovic handball. Not to be outdone, Fernandes replied with a penalty before halftime and curled in a free kick to equalize in the 67th before completing his second Europa League hat-trick this term from Anton Miranchuk's cross. Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz, 37, scored twice in a 3-1 win at Spartak Moscow, while their Basque rivals Real Socieded were held 2-2 at home by Salzburg. Sporting's Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins and Seydou Doumbia scored in an eight-minute spell after halftime as they came from behind to win 3-1 on Astana's artificial pitch in Kazakhstan where Marin Tomasov gave the hosts an early lead. The roof was closed for the match with temperatures hovering around minus 20 Celsius outside.

Europa League: Napoli lose at home, Arsenal and Milan win away

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has retired from football at the age of 37.

Following 10 years in the Premier League with Arsenal, the former Czech Republic international returned to Sparta Prague, where he started his career, in 2016.

Rosicky&#39;s career was&nbsp;plagued by injury for much of that decade and put his decision to hang up his boots down to being unable to keep up with the physical demands of football.

&quot;After careful consideration, I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what the professional football requires,&quot; Rosicky said, explaining his mid-season announcement.

&quot;I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career in big clubs, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most.&quot;

Rosicky won two FA Cups at Arsenal but failed to make more than 28 Premier League appearances in any campaign at the club.

The midfielder made more than 100 appearances for his national team.

The former Czech Republic international returned to Sparta Prague, where he started his career, in 2016 following 10 years in the Premier League with Arsenal.

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has retired from football at the age of 37. Following 10 years in the Premier League with Arsenal, the former Czech Republic international returned to Sparta Prague, where he started his career, in 2016. Rosicky's career was plagued by injury for much of that decade and put his decision to hang up his boots down to being unable to keep up with the physical demands of football. "After careful consideration, I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what the professional football requires," Rosicky said, explaining his mid-season announcement. "I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career in big clubs, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most." Rosicky won two FA Cups at Arsenal but failed to make more than 28 Premier League appearances in any campaign at the club. The midfielder made more than 100 appearances for his national team.

Tomas Rosicky retires after career in Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Sparta Prague

Tottenham Hotspur must quickly get over the disappointment of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal by getting a morale-boosting victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said.

Spurs&#39; loss at the Emirates on Saturday dropped them to fourth in the table, 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and extended their woeful away record against fellow top-six teams to one win in 17 games.

Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages and Pochettino believes their penultimate group match against a struggling Dortmund is the perfect opportunity to get a much-needed win.

&quot;Now we have to keep going and get ready for Borussia Dortmund. Okay, we&#39;re already in the next stage of the competition but we want to win and try to change the feeling we have from the weekend,&quot; Pochettino told the club&#39;s website. (www.tottenhamhotspur.com)

&quot;It&#39;s always important to compete and to be focused on the next game and when you lose, it&#39;s important to play as soon as possible to change that feeling.&quot;

Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen echoed his manager&#39;s words and says the Dortmund game allows Spurs&#39; players to show their true capabilities after an underwhelming outing against Arsenal.

&quot;It&#39;s probably good that we have a game so quickly after the derby and you can have a bit of revenge -- you can show the world that you are a better than what you saw on Saturday,&quot; Eriksen told reporters.

Tottenham was favored to win the north London derby and was criticised on multiple fronts after the poor showing but Pochettino has welcomed the increased expectations saying it showed the club&#39;s improvement during his reign.

&quot;The expectation now is that we win the Champions League and Premier League and I am happy with the pressure and the criticism,&quot; Pochettino added.

&quot;It means people expect more of us. We know very well we have improved in every single aspect.&quot;

Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages

Tottenham Hotspur must quickly get over the disappointment of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal by getting a morale-boosting victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said. Spurs' loss at the Emirates on Saturday dropped them to fourth in the table, 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and extended their woeful away record against fellow top-six teams to one win in 17 games. Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages and Pochettino believes their penultimate group match against a struggling Dortmund is the perfect opportunity to get a much-needed win. "Now we have to keep going and get ready for Borussia Dortmund. Okay, we're already in the next stage of the competition but we want to win and try to change the feeling we have from the weekend," Pochettino told the club's website. (www.tottenhamhotspur.com) "It's always important to compete and to be focused on the next game and when you lose, it's important to play as soon as possible to change that feeling." Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen echoed his manager's words and says the Dortmund game allows Spurs' players to show their true capabilities after an underwhelming outing against Arsenal. "It's probably good that we have a game so quickly after the derby and you can have a bit of revenge -- you can show the world that you are a better than what you saw on Saturday," Eriksen told reporters. Tottenham was favored to win the north London derby and was criticised on multiple fronts after the poor showing but Pochettino has welcomed the increased expectations saying it showed the club's improvement during his reign. "The expectation now is that we win the Champions League and Premier League and I am happy with the pressure and the criticism," Pochettino added. "It means people expect more of us. We know very well we have improved in every single aspect."

Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur must beat Dortmund to get over Arsenal loss, says manager

Zinedine Zidane praised goal-scorers Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted twice in a 3-1 victory as Real Madrid finally claimed a Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund.

Ronaldo marked his 150th European game with second-half goals after Bale&#39;s stunning early volley gave Real the lead at Dortmund&#39;s Signal Iduna Park

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored Dortmund&#39;s consolation goal with just over half an hour left, but the Germans were simply out-played by holders Real.

Having also netted twice against APOEL, Ronaldo has now scored four goals in just two Champions League games this season.

&quot;I&rsquo;m happy for Cristiano... again! I&rsquo;m delighted for Ronaldo and Bale,&quot; said Zidane.

This is the first time Dortmund have lost at home to Real in seven European games while holders Madrid have now scored in 38 successive Champion League games.

&quot;It is difficult to play in this stadium, we have never won here, so this victory was important to us, and the whole game was good for us from start to finish,&quot; said Zidane.

&quot;We had a lot of ball possession, that was the key.

&quot;Dortmund played as impressively as ever, but we compensated well.&quot;

Dortmund shaded possession and matched Real&#39;s tally of 16 shots on goal and Zidane wanted to see more chances converted.

&quot;We could have scored more. We had chances. The important thing is to score more than our opponents and we did that,&quot; said the Frenchman.

&quot;The side worked hard - Isco, (Luka) Modric, Casemiro and (Toni) Kroos were marvellous.

&quot;Everyone was brilliant. It was a tremendous game.&quot;

The result leaves Real top of Group H, just ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who beat APOEL 3-0 away, with Dortmund third and six points adrift of Spurs, who they also lost 3-1 to in London.

Dortmund coach Peter Bosz gave an honest appraisal of his team, who were better than Real in virtually every statistic - apart from the scoreboard.

&quot;We defend with 11 players and we attack with 11 players,&quot; said the Dutchman, whose Dortmund shaded possession and match Real&#39;s 16 shots on goal.

&quot;We were just too late against a side who barely made a mistake and we have to defend better.

&quot;We didn&#39;t put any pressure on the ball during the game and it&#39;s difficult against an opponent like that.

&quot;We were always too late, we have to analyse the performance and do better in the future.

Dortmund should have been awarded a penalty with 13 minutes gone when Real captain Sergio Ramos cleared Maximilian Philipp&#39;s shot off the line and the ball deflected off his hand.

&quot;That was clearly a handball in the first-half, but we deserved to lose,&quot; admitted Bosz.

Zinedine Zidane praised goal-scorers Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted twice in a 3-1 victory as Real Madrid finally claimed a Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund

Zinedine Zidane praised goal-scorers Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted twice in a 3-1 victory as Real Madrid finally claimed a Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund. Ronaldo marked his 150th European game with second-half goals after Bale's stunning early volley gave Real the lead at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored Dortmund's consolation goal with just over half an hour left, but the Germans were simply out-played by holders Real. Having also netted twice against APOEL, Ronaldo has now scored four goals in just two Champions League games this season. "I’m happy for Cristiano... again! I’m delighted for Ronaldo and Bale," said Zidane. This is the first time Dortmund have lost at home to Real in seven European games while holders Madrid have now scored in 38 successive Champion League games. "It is difficult to play in this stadium, we have never won here, so this victory was important to us, and the whole game was good for us from start to finish," said Zidane. "We had a lot of ball possession, that was the key. "Dortmund played as impressively as ever, but we compensated well." Dortmund shaded possession and matched Real's tally of 16 shots on goal and Zidane wanted to see more chances converted. "We could have scored more. We had chances. The important thing is to score more than our opponents and we did that," said the Frenchman. "The side worked hard - Isco, (Luka) Modric, Casemiro and (Toni) Kroos were marvellous. "Everyone was brilliant. It was a tremendous game." The result leaves Real top of Group H, just ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who beat APOEL 3-0 away, with Dortmund third and six points adrift of Spurs, who they also lost 3-1 to in London. Dortmund coach Peter Bosz gave an honest appraisal of his team, who were better than Real in virtually every statistic - apart from the scoreboard. "We defend with 11 players and we attack with 11 players," said the Dutchman, whose Dortmund shaded possession and match Real's 16 shots on goal. "We were just too late against a side who barely made a mistake and we have to defend better. "We didn't put any pressure on the ball during the game and it's difficult against an opponent like that. "We were always too late, we have to analyse the performance and do better in the future. Dortmund should have been awarded a penalty with 13 minutes gone when Real captain Sergio Ramos cleared Maximilian Philipp's shot off the line and the ball deflected off his hand. "That was clearly a handball in the first-half, but we deserved to lose," admitted Bosz.

Football: Zidane hails Bale, Ronaldo as Real win at Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund fought back to defeat bitter rivals Bayern Munich 3-2 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final and shatter the Bavarian giants&#39; dreams of the double.

A brilliant strike from Ousmane Dembele 15 minutes from the end settled a tie at Munich&#39;s Allianz Arena which had seen Dortmund trail 2-1 at half-time.

It was a dramatic turn-around for Thomas Tuchel&#39;s Dortmund who were hammered 4-1 by runaway leaders Bayern in Munich in the Bundesliga just three weeks ago.

&quot;We came from 2-1 down and still won - that&#39;s crazy,&quot; beamed Tuchel.

&quot;We had completely written off our 4-1 defeat in the league. We played well for 20 minutes and then we let it slip.

&quot;After the break, we kept improving and improving, from the 60th minute we were very good. We certainly had a bit of luck too.&quot;

In a repeat of last year&#39;s final at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium, which Bayern won in a penalty shoot-out, Marco Reus put Dortmund ahead after 19 minutes following a mistake by Munich&#39;s Javi Martinez.

The Spanish international&#39;s lazy back pass was snapped up by Dortmund midfielder Raphael Guerreiro, whose snot hit the post and Reus drilled the rebound.

Martinez made amends by equalising with a header nine minutes later before Mats Hummels put Bayern 2-1 ahead at half-time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 2-2 on 69 minutes when he headed home a superb Dembele cross.

That paved the way for the French teenager to hit the winner with a curling left-foot shot.

Dortmund will play in a fourth consecutive final on May 27, when they face Eintracht Frankfurt, who reached the final on Tuesday with a penalty shoot-out win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The cup defeat in Munich leaves Bayern winless in their last five games following back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid which saw them crash out of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Carlo Ancelotti&#39;s Bayern are eight points clear in the Bundesliga with four games left, but their dreams of winning the double came a cropper at the hands of Dortmund.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Borussia Dortmund will meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the final

Borussia Dortmund fought back to defeat bitter rivals Bayern Munich 3-2 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final and shatter the Bavarian giants' dreams of the double. A brilliant strike from Ousmane Dembele 15 minutes from the end settled a tie at Munich's Allianz Arena which had seen Dortmund trail 2-1 at half-time. It was a dramatic turn-around for Thomas Tuchel's Dortmund who were hammered 4-1 by runaway leaders Bayern in Munich in the Bundesliga just three weeks ago. "We came from 2-1 down and still won - that's crazy," beamed Tuchel. "We had completely written off our 4-1 defeat in the league. We played well for 20 minutes and then we let it slip. "After the break, we kept improving and improving, from the 60th minute we were very good. We certainly had a bit of luck too." In a repeat of last year's final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, which Bayern won in a penalty shoot-out, Marco Reus put Dortmund ahead after 19 minutes following a mistake by Munich's Javi Martinez. The Spanish international's lazy back pass was snapped up by Dortmund midfielder Raphael Guerreiro, whose snot hit the post and Reus drilled the rebound. Martinez made amends by equalising with a header nine minutes later before Mats Hummels put Bayern 2-1 ahead at half-time. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 2-2 on 69 minutes when he headed home a superb Dembele cross. That paved the way for the French teenager to hit the winner with a curling left-foot shot. Dortmund will play in a fourth consecutive final on May 27, when they face Eintracht Frankfurt, who reached the final on Tuesday with a penalty shoot-out win over Borussia Moenchengladbach. The cup defeat in Munich leaves Bayern winless in their last five games following back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid which saw them crash out of the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern are eight points clear in the Bundesliga with four games left, but their dreams of winning the double came a cropper at the hands of Dortmund. (AFP)

German Cup: Dortmund stage fightback to overcome Bayern Munich

Kylian Mbappe and Radamel Falcao struck early as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 home win over Borussia Dortmund in an enthralling game on Wednesday that sealed a 6-3 aggregate victory.

French prodigy Mbappe and Colombia striker Falcao scored in the third and 17th minutes before Marco Reus gave the visitors hope with a 48th-minute goal, only for substitute Valere Germain to wrap up the win for the French side nine minutes from time.

Monaco joined Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus in the last four of Europe&#39;s premier club competition, becoming the first French team to achieve the feat since Olympique Lyonnais in 2010.

&quot;We&#39;re happy to be in the semi-finals, it&#39;s important for French football,&quot; Falcao said.

Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel was philosophical after a difficult tie from the moment his team&#39;s bus was attacked before the first leg last week.

&quot;Over both games we have the feeling that everything that could go wrong went wrong,&quot; he said.

The kickoff was delayed by five minutes after the German team arrived late at the Louis-II stadium due to traffic problems. Dortmund said on their Twitter feed that the bus had been held up by police at their hotel for 20 minutes.

The incident occurred a week after the first leg was postponed by 24 hours after the Borussia team bus was attacked with explosives on its way to the stadium.

Monaco fans unveiled a &quot;You&#39;ll Never Walk Alone&quot; banner, with the German team&#39;s anthem, which they share with British clubs Liverpool and Celtic.

Monaco, who have now scored three goals in each of their last five Champions League games, made a fast start.

Benjamin Mendy&#39;s fierce 25-metre strike was parried by Roman Burki into the path of Mbappe, who coolly slotted home to put the hosts ahead.

Dortmund came close to an equaliser when Nuri Sahin&#39;s free kick hit Danijel Subasic&#39;s left-hand post.

Monaco, however, doubled their tally three minutes later as Falcao perfectly timed his header to beat Burki from Thomas Lemar&#39;s cross from the left.

That left Dortmund with three goals to score to force extra time and Tuchel replaced midfielder Erik Durm with forward Ousmane Dembele.

The German side looked transformed after the break and they were quickly rewarded as Reus reduced the arrears when he volleyed home from Dembele&#39;s cross after a dazzling run by the Frenchman.

It spurred the visitors into action and Monaco started to look shaky as the 19-year-old Dembele proved a constant threat.

Monaco, however, had a golden chance to wrap up their qualification shortly after the hour but Falcao&#39;s chip went over the bar.

Germain replaced Mbappe and had an immediate impact as he latched on to Lemar&#39;s cross to score seconds after coming on.

(Reuters)

French prodigy Mbappe and Colombia striker Falcao scored in the third and 17th minutes

Kylian Mbappe and Radamel Falcao struck early as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 home win over Borussia Dortmund in an enthralling game on Wednesday that sealed a 6-3 aggregate victory. French prodigy Mbappe and Colombia striker Falcao scored in the third and 17th minutes before Marco Reus gave the visitors hope with a 48th-minute goal, only for substitute Valere Germain to wrap up the win for the French side nine minutes from time. Monaco joined Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus in the last four of Europe's premier club competition, becoming the first French team to achieve the feat since Olympique Lyonnais in 2010. "We're happy to be in the semi-finals, it's important for French football," Falcao said. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel was philosophical after a difficult tie from the moment his team's bus was attacked before the first leg last week. "Over both games we have the feeling that everything that could go wrong went wrong," he said. The kickoff was delayed by five minutes after the German team arrived late at the Louis-II stadium due to traffic problems. Dortmund said on their Twitter feed that the bus had been held up by police at their hotel for 20 minutes. The incident occurred a week after the first leg was postponed by 24 hours after the Borussia team bus was attacked with explosives on its way to the stadium. Monaco fans unveiled a "You'll Never Walk Alone" banner, with the German team's anthem, which they share with British clubs Liverpool and Celtic. Monaco, who have now scored three goals in each of their last five Champions League games, made a fast start. Benjamin Mendy's fierce 25-metre strike was parried by Roman Burki into the path of Mbappe, who coolly slotted home to put the hosts ahead. Dortmund came close to an equaliser when Nuri Sahin's free kick hit Danijel Subasic's left-hand post. Monaco, however, doubled their tally three minutes later as Falcao perfectly timed his header to beat Burki from Thomas Lemar's cross from the left. That left Dortmund with three goals to score to force extra time and Tuchel replaced midfielder Erik Durm with forward Ousmane Dembele. The German side looked transformed after the break and they were quickly rewarded as Reus reduced the arrears when he volleyed home from Dembele's cross after a dazzling run by the Frenchman. It spurred the visitors into action and Monaco started to look shaky as the 19-year-old Dembele proved a constant threat. Monaco, however, had a golden chance to wrap up their qualification shortly after the hour but Falcao's chip went over the bar. Germain replaced Mbappe and had an immediate impact as he latched on to Lemar's cross to score seconds after coming on. (Reuters)

Champions League: Monaco beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1, reach semi-final

The explosives used in the attack on the bus of football team Borussia Dortmund may have come from supplies belonging to the German armed forces, a newspaper cited a source involved in the investigation as saying on Saturday.

It is still unclear who carried out Tuesday&#39;s attack. German prosecutors have doubts about the authenticity of letters that suggested Islamist militants were behind it and Bild newspaper cited an investigator as saying right-wing extremists were probably responsible.

&quot;The explosives in the pipe bombs, which were filled with metal pins, might have come from the stocks of the German armed forces but that&#39;s still being checked,&quot; newspaper Welt am Sonntag cited a source involved in the investigation as saying.

The source also said that specialist knowledge was required to use the military detonators, which are not easy to get.

A spokeswoman for the federal public prosecutor&#39;s office declined to comment on the report.

The players&#39; bus was heading to their stadium for a Champions League match against AS Monaco on Tuesday when three explosions occurred, injuring Spanish defender Marc Bartra and delaying the match by a day. Dortmund said on Twitter on Saturday Bartra had been released from hospital.

Welt am Sonntag said police thought further attacks were possible, citing a document sent to regional police headquarters as saying that soccer games, rock concerts and cultural events were particularly at risk.

It said regional police wanted to have a greater presence if necessary and use dogs trained to sniff out explosives.

Joachim Herrmann, interior minister of the state of Bavaria, told the same newspaper Bavaria planned to use more video surveillance, especially in crime hotspots and in public places - a controversial issue in Germany, where memories of the Nazi Gestapo and the Stasi security police still linger.

Joachim Thomas, chairman of the association of German stadium operators, told Welt am Sonntag he believed full-body scanners would be used at entrances to stadiums in future.

Arnold Plickert, GdP police union&#39;s deputy chairman, said police were overstretched already and did not have enough staff to keep watch over a team&#39;s hotel night after night so clubs would have to provide extra security staff if they wanted that.

Dortmund are due host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga for a game at 1330 GMT on Saturday.

Bild cited Axel Hellmann, a member of Eintracht&#39;s executive board, as saying it had boosted security for the match. Dortmund police posted a picture on Twitter showing an armed officer outside the stadium, saying they had provided more security inside and out.

Bild said experts from the federal interior ministry and the interior ministries of Germany&#39;s states had discussed security for major events during a telephone conference on Wednesday and had decided checks at entrances to events should be boosted.

There was no immediate comment from the federal ministry.

(Reuters)

Bild newspaper cited an investigator as saying extremists were probably responsible and added the materials probably belonged to the army

The explosives used in the attack on the bus of football team Borussia Dortmund may have come from supplies belonging to the German armed forces, a newspaper cited a source involved in the investigation as saying on Saturday. It is still unclear who carried out Tuesday's attack. German prosecutors have doubts about the authenticity of letters that suggested Islamist militants were behind it and Bild newspaper cited an investigator as saying right-wing extremists were probably responsible. "The explosives in the pipe bombs, which were filled with metal pins, might have come from the stocks of the German armed forces but that's still being checked," newspaper Welt am Sonntag cited a source involved in the investigation as saying. The source also said that specialist knowledge was required to use the military detonators, which are not easy to get. A spokeswoman for the federal public prosecutor's office declined to comment on the report. The players' bus was heading to their stadium for a Champions League match against AS Monaco on Tuesday when three explosions occurred, injuring Spanish defender Marc Bartra and delaying the match by a day. Dortmund said on Twitter on Saturday Bartra had been released from hospital. Welt am Sonntag said police thought further attacks were possible, citing a document sent to regional police headquarters as saying that soccer games, rock concerts and cultural events were particularly at risk. It said regional police wanted to have a greater presence if necessary and use dogs trained to sniff out explosives. Joachim Herrmann, interior minister of the state of Bavaria, told the same newspaper Bavaria planned to use more video surveillance, especially in crime hotspots and in public places - a controversial issue in Germany, where memories of the Nazi Gestapo and the Stasi security police still linger. Joachim Thomas, chairman of the association of German stadium operators, told Welt am Sonntag he believed full-body scanners would be used at entrances to stadiums in future. Arnold Plickert, GdP police union's deputy chairman, said police were overstretched already and did not have enough staff to keep watch over a team's hotel night after night so clubs would have to provide extra security staff if they wanted that. Dortmund are due host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga for a game at 1330 GMT on Saturday. Bild cited Axel Hellmann, a member of Eintracht's executive board, as saying it had boosted security for the match. Dortmund police posted a picture on Twitter showing an armed officer outside the stadium, saying they had provided more security inside and out. Bild said experts from the federal interior ministry and the interior ministries of Germany's states had discussed security for major events during a telephone conference on Wednesday and had decided checks at entrances to events should be boosted. There was no immediate comment from the federal ministry. (Reuters)

Dortmund bus attack explosives may belong to Germany military: Report

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German police had earlier said they were investigating a possible Islamist link to three explosions that rocked the Borussia Dortmund football team bus as the club vowed not to give into &quot;terror&quot; (WION)
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German police have detained one person, an &quot;Islamist&quot; suspect over three explosions that struck Borussia Dortmund&#39;s team bus, prosecutors said on Wednesday, confirming that the investigation was examining a possible &quot;terrorist link&quot;.

&quot;Two suspects from the Islamist spectrum have become the focus of our investigation. Both of their apartments were searched, and one of the two has been detained,&quot; said lead prosecutor Frauke Koehle.&nbsp;Separately, national news agency DPA said a second claim of responsibility emerged online, this time possibly linked to &quot;anti-fascist&quot; far-left groups. 
&nbsp;

German police had earlier said they were investigating a possible Islamist link to three explosions that rocked the Borussia Dortmund football team bus as the club vowed not to give in to &quot;terror&quot;.

Dortmund&#39;s Spanish international Marc Bartra and a policeman were injured in the roadside blasts set off as the bus took the team to their Champions League game against Monaco on Tuesday night.&nbsp;The match was put back to Wednesday amid a ratcheting of security around Dortmund and in Munich where Bayern Munich take on Real Madrid.

UEFA said that security will be tightened around Wednesday&#39;s Champions League quarter-final games following a bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus.&nbsp;There were extra forces around team hotels and their buses will take special safe routes to the stadiums.

A letter found at the scene of Tuesday&#39;s attack &quot;claims responsibility for what happened,&quot; prosecutor Sandra Luecke said late Tuesday. The &quot;authenticity is being verified,&quot; she added.&nbsp;Luecke did not give details of the letter, but media citing unnamed sources said it referred to the Berlin Christmas market attack in December that killed 12 people. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group.

It also mentioned Germany&#39;s deployment of Tornado reconnaissance missions as part of an anti-IS international coalition, they reported.&nbsp;The assault was described by Dortmund city&#39;s police chief as a &quot;targeted attack&quot; against the team.

But Dortmund&#39;s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watze vowed that his side &quot;will not give in to terror&quot;, as the club announced that the players have returned to training a day after the blasts.&nbsp;&quot;We will play not only for ourselves today. We will play for everyone... we want to show that terror and hate can never determine our actions,&quot; he said in a statement.

German authorities have held off from describing it as an organised &#39;terror attack&#39;. But the probe has been taken over by federal prosecutors, whose remit includes terror investigations.&nbsp;Separately, national news agency DPA said the second claim of responsibility emerged online, this time possibly linked to &quot;anti-fascist&quot; far-left groups.

Investigators were also looking at the letter, which says the team was attacked because it did not speak out enough against racists and Nazis, added DPA.&nbsp;Germany has been on high alert since a series of jihadist attacks last year, including Berlin market assault.

The explosives detonated minutes after the Dortmund team bus pulled away from the squad&#39;s hotel and headed for their quarter-final, first-leg tie against Monaco.&nbsp;Bartra underwent surgery on a broken wrist after he was hit by flying glass, Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball told NTV news channel.

The injured policeman, who was on a motorcycle escorting the team bus, suffered trauma from the noise of the blasts.&nbsp;&quot;We are assuming that they were a targeted attack against the Dortmund team,&quot; said the western German city&#39;s police chief Gregor Lange.

The explosives shattered the bus windows and the vehicle was burned on the right-hand side.&nbsp;&quot;The bus turned onto the main road when there was a huge noise - a big explosion,&quot; Dortmund&#39;s Swiss goalkeeper Roman Burki told Swiss media.&nbsp;

&quot;After the bang, we all crouched down in the bus. We did not know if more would come.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The assault was described by Dortmund city's police chief as a 'targeted attack' against the team

German police had earlier said they were investigating a possible Islamist link to three explosions that rocked the Borussia Dortmund football team bus as the club vowed not to give into "terror" (WION) × German police have detained one person, an "Islamist" suspect over three explosions that struck Borussia Dortmund's team bus, prosecutors said on Wednesday, confirming that the investigation was examining a possible "terrorist link". "Two suspects from the Islamist spectrum have become the focus of our investigation. Both of their apartments were searched, and one of the two has been detained," said lead prosecutor Frauke Koehle. Separately, national news agency DPA said a second claim of responsibility emerged online, this time possibly linked to "anti-fascist" far-left groups. German police had earlier said they were investigating a possible Islamist link to three explosions that rocked the Borussia Dortmund football team bus as the club vowed not to give in to "terror". Dortmund's Spanish international Marc Bartra and a policeman were injured in the roadside blasts set off as the bus took the team to their Champions League game against Monaco on Tuesday night. The match was put back to Wednesday amid a ratcheting of security around Dortmund and in Munich where Bayern Munich take on Real Madrid. UEFA said that security will be tightened around Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final games following a bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus. There were extra forces around team hotels and their buses will take special safe routes to the stadiums. A letter found at the scene of Tuesday's attack "claims responsibility for what happened," prosecutor Sandra Luecke said late Tuesday. The "authenticity is being verified," she added. Luecke did not give details of the letter, but media citing unnamed sources said it referred to the Berlin Christmas market attack in December that killed 12 people. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group. It also mentioned Germany's deployment of Tornado reconnaissance missions as part of an anti-IS international coalition, they reported. The assault was described by Dortmund city's police chief as a "targeted attack" against the team. But Dortmund's chief executive Hans-Joachim Watze vowed that his side "will not give in to terror", as the club announced that the players have returned to training a day after the blasts. "We will play not only for ourselves today. We will play for everyone... we want to show that terror and hate can never determine our actions," he said in a statement. German authorities have held off from describing it as an organised 'terror attack'. But the probe has been taken over by federal prosecutors, whose remit includes terror investigations. Separately, national news agency DPA said the second claim of responsibility emerged online, this time possibly linked to "anti-fascist" far-left groups. Investigators were also looking at the letter, which says the team was attacked because it did not speak out enough against racists and Nazis, added DPA. Germany has been on high alert since a series of jihadist attacks last year, including Berlin market assault. The explosives detonated minutes after the Dortmund team bus pulled away from the squad's hotel and headed for their quarter-final, first-leg tie against Monaco. Bartra underwent surgery on a broken wrist after he was hit by flying glass, Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball told NTV news channel. The injured policeman, who was on a motorcycle escorting the team bus, suffered trauma from the noise of the blasts. "We are assuming that they were a targeted attack against the Dortmund team," said the western German city's police chief Gregor Lange. The explosives shattered the bus windows and the vehicle was burned on the right-hand side. "The bus turned onto the main road when there was a huge noise - a big explosion," Dortmund's Swiss goalkeeper Roman Burki told Swiss media. "After the bang, we all crouched down in the bus. We did not know if more would come." (AFP)

Borussia Dortmund bus attack: One person detained, German police probing 'Islamist link'

A hat-trick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic&#39;s dazzling display fired Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 thrashing of Benfica on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The result saw Dortmund win the round-of-16 tie 4-1 on aggregate after Aubameyang&#39;s early goal cancelled out Borussia&#39;s 1-0 defeat in Lisbon last month.

The Gabon hot-shot has now scored seven times in his last three games and has seven Champions League goals in as many matches this season.

He is on 28 goals for the season as Dortmund reached the last eight in Europe for the first time since 2013/14.

But it fell to US international Pulisic, who only turns 19 in September, to net the Germans&#39; crucial second on 59 minutes, which put Dortmund ahead for the first time on aggregate.

Pulisic, in for injured Germany winger Marco Reus, claimed his first Champions League goal and set up Aubameyang&#39;s opening goal in an impressive all-round display.

After Kostas Mitroglou sealed Benfica&#39;s 1-0 first-leg victory, Dortmund took just four minutes to cancel out the advantage.

Ousmane Dembele&#39;s corner was flicked on by Pulisic to Aubameyang, who headed home at the far post to delight the sell-out Signal Iduna Park crowd.

It was redemption for the Gabon striker, who had a night to forget in the first leg, missing four clear chances including a penalty in Lisbon.

After a strong start from the hosts, Benfica clawed their way back with captain Luisao heading straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki from a free-kick midway through the half.

Dembele showed his youth, needlessly picking up a booking from English referee Martin Atkinson late in the first half for bitterly complaining after conceding a free-kick with a push on Andreas Samaris.

Benfica grew in confidence as the half wore on and Dortmund&#39;s defence wobbled, but it finished 1-0 at the break.

Dortmund had a big let-off soon after when Lukasz Piszczek failed with a clearance, which Franco Cervi snapped up on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked.

Aubameyang then squandered three golden chances at close range before Pulisic finally got the breakthrough.

The US starlet chipped his shot over the advancing Ederson on 59 minutes after Piszczek&#39;s superb pass into the area.

Aubameyang grabbed his second just two minutes later when he stabbed home Marcel Schmelzer&#39;s pass.

He hit his third goal of the night on 85 minutes when Erik Durm&#39;s run and cross from the right handed him a simple tap-in.

(AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goals helped his side overcome a 0-1 disadvantage at their home ground

A hat-trick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic's dazzling display fired Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 thrashing of Benfica on Wednesday. The result saw Dortmund win the round-of-16 tie 4-1 on aggregate after Aubameyang's early goal cancelled out Borussia's 1-0 defeat in Lisbon last month. The Gabon hot-shot has now scored seven times in his last three games and has seven Champions League goals in as many matches this season. He is on 28 goals for the season as Dortmund reached the last eight in Europe for the first time since 2013/14. But it fell to US international Pulisic, who only turns 19 in September, to net the Germans' crucial second on 59 minutes, which put Dortmund ahead for the first time on aggregate. Pulisic, in for injured Germany winger Marco Reus, claimed his first Champions League goal and set up Aubameyang's opening goal in an impressive all-round display. After Kostas Mitroglou sealed Benfica's 1-0 first-leg victory, Dortmund took just four minutes to cancel out the advantage. Ousmane Dembele's corner was flicked on by Pulisic to Aubameyang, who headed home at the far post to delight the sell-out Signal Iduna Park crowd. It was redemption for the Gabon striker, who had a night to forget in the first leg, missing four clear chances including a penalty in Lisbon. After a strong start from the hosts, Benfica clawed their way back with captain Luisao heading straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki from a free-kick midway through the half. Dembele showed his youth, needlessly picking up a booking from English referee Martin Atkinson late in the first half for bitterly complaining after conceding a free-kick with a push on Andreas Samaris. Benfica grew in confidence as the half wore on and Dortmund's defence wobbled, but it finished 1-0 at the break. Dortmund had a big let-off soon after when Lukasz Piszczek failed with a clearance, which Franco Cervi snapped up on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked. Aubameyang then squandered three golden chances at close range before Pulisic finally got the breakthrough. The US starlet chipped his shot over the advancing Ederson on 59 minutes after Piszczek's superb pass into the area. Aubameyang grabbed his second just two minutes later when he stabbed home Marcel Schmelzer's pass. He hit his third goal of the night on 85 minutes when Erik Durm's run and cross from the right handed him a simple tap-in. (AFP)

Aubameyang scores hat-trick to help Dortmund flip deficit against Benfica

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich&#39;s draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang&#39;s 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern&#39;s Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings.

Leipzig&#39;s loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke.

Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead.

But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end.

Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund&#39;s net, but was flagged for a marginal offside.

Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended.

&quot;We won the game, that&#39;s what counts,&quot; a relieved Reus told Sky.

&quot;We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay.&quot;

Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium.

Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste&#39;s second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area.

Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern could only muster a draw against Schalke but Dortmund's 1-0 win over second-placed Leipzig means they are four points clear

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich's draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern's Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings. Leipzig's loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke. Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead. But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end. Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund's net, but was flagged for a marginal offside. Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended. "We won the game, that's what counts," a relieved Reus told Sky. "We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay." Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste's second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area. Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern Munich sluggish but stretch lead as Leipzig fall to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund stunned champions and arch-rivals&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;Munich 1-0 on Saturday in a bad-tempered clash in&nbsp;&quot;Der Klassiker&quot; to leave RB Leipzig the shock Bundesliga leaders.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third on 21 points, three points behind&nbsp;Bayern, for whom this was a first defeat of the league season.

RB Leipzig are top, unbeaten and three points clear of the mighty&nbsp;Bayern, after a thrilling 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday signalled another milestone in their fast rise to the top of German football.

Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game -- he should have gone on to grab at least two more -- poking in the ball from close range after ex-Bayern&nbsp;man Mario Goetze&#39;s cross.

The striker celebrated with three push-ups and the home side were on the attack again moments later, the&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;rearguard creaking as the fans at the intimidating 81,000 arena ratcheted up the volume once more.

The game had simmered to this point, but it threatened to boil over as the half wore on, with Dortmund conceding a series of free-kicks and referee Tobias Stieler struggling to keep a lid on it.

Stieler had a word with Thomas Tuchel after the Dortmund coach protested one challenge and Marc Bartra was booked for a bad challenge on&nbsp;Bayern&#39;s Thomas Mueller.

Soon after Bartra was penalised again for tugging down Robert Lewandowski and was fortunate that Stieler decided to keep his cards in his pocket.

The momentum was now with Carlo Ancelotti&#39;s men and&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;piled on the pressure, Thiago Alcantara just failing to properly connect with a flying scissor kick five minutes before half-time.

Aubameyang should have put the home side 2-0 up soon after the restart, but he headed feebly over, and then Goetze got away with only a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Franck Ribery that left the Frenchman in agony on the turf.

The visitors were a whisker from equalising around the hour mark when Xabi Alonso let fly from distance, the ball crashing off the crossbar.

On 71 minutes Aubameyang should have sealed the game for Dortmund, but he shot straight at Manuel Neuer after a&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;lapse at the back.

Ribery was in the thick of it again in the dying minutes and was booked when the two sides clashed once more, the referee&#39;s assistants running onto the pitch to help restore order.

Polish predator Lewandowski should have levelled the score at the death but he inexplicably headed wide when clear and unmarked.

(AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third

Borussia Dortmund stunned champions and arch-rivals Bayern Munich 1-0 on Saturday in a bad-tempered clash in "Der Klassiker" to leave RB Leipzig the shock Bundesliga leaders. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third on 21 points, three points behind Bayern, for whom this was a first defeat of the league season. RB Leipzig are top, unbeaten and three points clear of the mighty Bayern, after a thrilling 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday signalled another milestone in their fast rise to the top of German football. Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game -- he should have gone on to grab at least two more -- poking in the ball from close range after ex-Bayern man Mario Goetze's cross. The striker celebrated with three push-ups and the home side were on the attack again moments later, the Bayern rearguard creaking as the fans at the intimidating 81,000 arena ratcheted up the volume once more. The game had simmered to this point, but it threatened to boil over as the half wore on, with Dortmund conceding a series of free-kicks and referee Tobias Stieler struggling to keep a lid on it. Stieler had a word with Thomas Tuchel after the Dortmund coach protested one challenge and Marc Bartra was booked for a bad challenge on Bayern's Thomas Mueller. Soon after Bartra was penalised again for tugging down Robert Lewandowski and was fortunate that Stieler decided to keep his cards in his pocket. The momentum was now with Carlo Ancelotti's men and Bayern piled on the pressure, Thiago Alcantara just failing to properly connect with a flying scissor kick five minutes before half-time. Aubameyang should have put the home side 2-0 up soon after the restart, but he headed feebly over, and then Goetze got away with only a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Franck Ribery that left the Frenchman in agony on the turf. The visitors were a whisker from equalising around the hour mark when Xabi Alonso let fly from distance, the ball crashing off the crossbar. On 71 minutes Aubameyang should have sealed the game for Dortmund, but he shot straight at Manuel Neuer after a Bayern lapse at the back. Ribery was in the thick of it again in the dying minutes and was booked when the two sides clashed once more, the referee's assistants running onto the pitch to help restore order. Polish predator Lewandowski should have levelled the score at the death but he inexplicably headed wide when clear and unmarked. (AFP)

Dortmund beat Bayern 1-0 to leave new boys Leipzig new league leaders

Germany&#39;s World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Goetze has returned to Borussia Dortmund after a frustrating three seasons with Bayern Munich, the clubs announced Thursday. The 24-year-old has never established himself with the German champions. The clubs did not give a transfer fee but Bild newspaper said Dortmund paid between 22 and 25 million euros ($24-27.5 million). 
 
That would mean Bayern have booked a loss of about 13 million euros on the price they paid for Goetze. Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called the deal &quot;a good solution for all sides&quot;. 
 
The player said he now has &quot;a different view&quot; of his decision to move. 
 
&quot;I want to try to convince everyone with my performances, especially those who are welcoming me with open arms,&quot; Goetze said. 
 
Goetze scored the winning goal in Germany&#39;s World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014. But under Pep Guardiola, he was often on the Bayern substitutes&#39; bench. He was also often among the replacements for Germany at Euro 2016. 
 
Bayern&#39;s new coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted in recent weeks that he has told Goetze to find a new club. 
 
Dortmund fans repeatedly jeered Goetze when he appeared for Bayern against his old team. 
 
In recent weeks, Dortmund have lost defender Mats Hummels to Bayern, midfielder Henrich Mchitarjan to Manchester United and defender Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Bayern Munich books a loss of 13 million euros on the price paid for German goalscorer Mario Goetze

Germany's World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Goetze has returned to Borussia Dortmund after a frustrating three seasons with Bayern Munich, the clubs announced Thursday. The 24-year-old has never established himself with the German champions. The clubs did not give a transfer fee but Bild newspaper said Dortmund paid between 22 and 25 million euros ($24-27.5 million). That would mean Bayern have booked a loss of about 13 million euros on the price they paid for Goetze. Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called the deal "a good solution for all sides". The player said he now has "a different view" of his decision to move. "I want to try to convince everyone with my performances, especially those who are welcoming me with open arms," Goetze said. Goetze scored the winning goal in Germany's World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014. But under Pep Guardiola, he was often on the Bayern substitutes' bench. He was also often among the replacements for Germany at Euro 2016. Bayern's new coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted in recent weeks that he has told Goetze to find a new club. Dortmund fans repeatedly jeered Goetze when he appeared for Bayern against his old team. In recent weeks, Dortmund have lost defender Mats Hummels to Bayern, midfielder Henrich Mchitarjan to Manchester United and defender Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City. (AFP)

Goetze moves back to Dortmund after dismal season with Bayern

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Henrikh Mkhitaryan after making an &quot;improved offer&quot; for the midfielder, the Bundesliga club&#39;s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said. 
 
The Armenia international has been linked by British media with a move to Old Trafford under new manager Jose Mourinho. 
 
&quot;The situation is now different. Manchester have made a much improved offer,&quot; Watzke told Sport Bild magazine. 
 
&quot;In situations like this there are always a lot of different things to consider and in the end at one point we have to make a decision. 
 
&quot;As we are back in training on Monday we will decide at the weekend. I have contacted the relevant people and we will weigh things up ...then the board will make the decision.&quot; 
 
The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 31 league games as Dortmund finished second last season and could be Mourinho&#39;s second signing at United after defender Eric Bailly&#39;s arrival from Villarreal. 
 
(Reuters)

The midfielder displayed good form for the German club which finished second in the Bundesliga last season

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan after making an "improved offer" for the midfielder, the Bundesliga club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said. The Armenia international has been linked by British media with a move to Old Trafford under new manager Jose Mourinho. "The situation is now different. Manchester have made a much improved offer," Watzke told Sport Bild magazine. "In situations like this there are always a lot of different things to consider and in the end at one point we have to make a decision. "As we are back in training on Monday we will decide at the weekend. I have contacted the relevant people and we will weigh things up ...then the board will make the decision." The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 31 league games as Dortmund finished second last season and could be Mourinho's second signing at United after defender Eric Bailly's arrival from Villarreal. (Reuters)

United make 'improved offer' for Dortmund's Mkhitaryan

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