Borussia Dortmund II move four points clear at the top of the Regionalliga West standings

Borussia Dortmund U-23s could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Rot Weiss Ahlen at the weekend, but it was enough to help them open up a four point lead at the top of the Regionalliga West standings.

Looking to take advantage of Rot Weiss Essen’s defeat to SC Preußen Münster, the young Black and Yellows made a dominant start against the league’s bottom club. Despite having to play on a muddy surface in pouring rain, Dortmund created a number of early chances but could not make them count.

The game had to be paused for about 25 minutes in the first half due to a thunderstorm, and it certainly affected the flow of the game. Ansgar Knauff came close to scoring at the half-hour mark, but the first half ended without any goals.

Borussia Dortmund II continued to push for the breakthrough after the break, and it finally arrived in the 62nd minute. Tobias Raschl scored the opening goal after being teed up by Ansgar Knauff. But the lead did not last long, as Sebastian Mai equalised for the relegation threatened Ahlen in the 68th minute. Enrico Maaßen’s side gave everything they had in their bid to find a winner, but had to settle for a point in the end.

The result was enough to help Borussia Dortmund II go four points clear at the top of the Regionalliga West standings, although second placed RW Essen do have a game in hand. The two title contenders will face off on Wednesday in Essen, and the result of the game will play a big role in deciding the title race.