Ansgar Knauff brace helps Borussia Dortmund U-23s begin 2021 with a win
By Tushar Bahl
Ansgar Knauff scored a match-winning brace as Borussia Dortmund II enjoyed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Alemannia Aachen in their first game of 2021.
Looking to build on their impressive first half of the season, Borussia Dortmund II took to the pitch on Sunday against Alemannia Aachen without captain Steffen Tigges, who has been promoted to the first team. But Ansgar Knauff ensured that the top-scorer’s absence wasn’t felt, as he opened the scoring after just ten minutes.
The highly rated winger got on the end of Richmond Tachie’s cross to make it 1-0 for BVB II. Oguzhan Aydogan equalised for Alemannia Aachen out of nowhere with a deflected strike from the edge of the box in the 29th minute. The Black and Yellows continued to stay on the front foot, but the two sides went into the break with the scores level at 1-1.
Borussia Dortmund II began the second half strong and regained the lead in the 47th minute, with Ansgar Knauff doubling his tally. It was the 19 year old’s fourth goal in his last three games for the U-23s.
Enrico Maaßen’s side weren’t able to add a third goal, but goalkeeper Stefan Drljaca made a couple of impressive saves to ensure that Alemannia weren’t able to equalise either.
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The 2-1 win helped Borussia Dortmund II continue their push for promotion to the third division of German football. They are in second place in the Regionalliga West standings, four points behind leaders RW Essen, albeit with a game in hand. Next up for the Borussia Dortmund U23s is a trip to FC Köln II on Saturday.