(Bundesliga 2022/2023): Highlights Werder Bremen - Dortmund

Following back-to-back victories, Werder Bremen faced another informed side at the Weser Stadion. Dortmund's Sebastien Allaire started on the bench after his first goal for the club last week, Borussia looking to maintain a perfect start to 2023. And Dortmund started full of the confidence you'd expect after four wins from four in the league since the turn of the year and victory in the Cup midweek. Rafael Guerreiro, who got a hat-trick of assists last week, had their first real chance inside ten minutes. But on his 200th outing for Werder, Jerzy Pawlenka produced a good save. It wouldn't be his first. The game really opened up after that, with chances at either end. Mitchell Weiser, on his return from suspension, tested Gregor Korbel midway through the first half, Korbel maintaining the excellent form he's been in in recent weeks. So all square at the break, the right reflection after an entertaining first half. Dortmund then came flying out of the blocks after the restart. Pawlenka had already had to keep out a Reuss effort and then pulled off an incredible reaction save to deny Jude Bellingham. The England international's influence on the game was steadily growing. Dortmund had a determined look about them. And they finally got the breakthrough following yet another inspired substitution from Edin Terzic. Just one minute and nine seconds after coming on, Jamie Beino Gittins smashed home his third goal off the bench this season. It was the tenth time a Dortmund sub had scored in this campaign. Five of those goals have come in the last five crucial games. And with just over five minutes remaining, it was then a son of Bremen who ensured all three points would be returning to Dortmund. Julian Brandt, instrumental in everything Dortmund did today and in recent matches, got the decisive goal. It was his sixth of the season, making him Borussia's joint top scorer. But more importantly, it kept their 100% record in 2023 intact. They remain in the thick of the title race. Bremen's winning run is over, 2-0 the final score.