Borussia Dortmund II held to 1-1 draw by SV Waldhof Mannheim in 3. Liga home opener

Borussia Dortmund II played out a 1-1 draw against SV Waldhof Mannheim in their first home game of the season. 

Fresh off their stunning opening day win over FSV Zwickau, Borussia Dortmund II returned to the Stadion Rote Erde for their first home game of the season. Enrico Maaßen’s side took on SV Waldhof Mannheim on matchday two of the 3. Liga season in front of 1,211 supporters.

With Lennard Maloney and Antonios Papadopoulos both away with the first team and Niklas Dams suspended, Borussia Dortmund II went into the game with a lack of available defenders. But they were given a boost ahead of the game, as Marco Pasalic, Albin Thaqi and Ansgar Knauff returned early from the first-team’s Bad Ragaz training camp to help out.

And it was Marco Pasalic who gave Borussia Dortmund II the lead. The summer signing scored the opening goal of the game with a gorgeous curling effort from the edge of the box after getting on the end of Immanuel Pherai’s cross-field pass. BVB II dominated the first half and had a few chances to add to their lead, but they weren’t able to take advantage.

SV Waldhof Mannheim looked more threatening in the second half. And they got their equaliser at the hour mark through former Borussia Dortmund II player Joseph Boyamba. Both teams looked to find a winner, but had to settle for a share of the points in the end.

Four points after two games marks a great start to Borussia Dortmund II’s 3. Liga campaign, especially considering the personnel issues they have had to deal with so far. Next up for the newly promoted side is a trip to Freiburg II in two weeks’ time.