Steffen Tigges nets brace on Borussia Dortmund II return

Borussia Dortmund U-23s captain Steffen Tigges marked his return to the team by scoring a brace in the 3-0 win over FC Köln II on Saturday. Less than 24 hours after making a three minute cameo for the first-team against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Tigges led the line for BVB II as they looked to continue their promotion charge in the Regionalliga West.

And the Black and Yellows seemed to be boosted by the return of their skipper, as they began the game on the front foot. Richmond Tachie, Tobias Raschl and Steffen Tigges all came close to scoring, before the towering striker headed home from Taylan Duman’s corner to make it 1-0. The goal helped Enrico Maaßen’s side take a narrow lead going into the break.

Steffen Tigges, Ansgar Knauff star in comfortable win for Borussia Dortmund II

Borussia Dortmund II began the second half well and doubled their advantage in the 55th minute, with the in-form Ansgar Knauff getting on the score-sheet. The highly rated winger scored from close range to make it five goals in his last four games for the U-23s.

FC Köln II started to venture forward a little more frequently in search of a way back into the game. But Dortmund finally sealed the win in the 78th minute, with Steffen Tigges scoring his second goal of the afternoon. The strike helped Tigges take his tally to 14 goals in just 19 appearances for the U-23s this season.

The win ensured that Borussia Dortmund II stayed within touching distance of RW Essen at the top of the Regionalliga West standings. Dortmund are four points behind their title rivals, with a game in hand. Next up for them is a trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach II on Wednesday.