Borussia Dortmund beat Wolfsburg 1-0 at the Signal Iduna Park in their Bundesliga clash on Sunday. Karim Adeyemi scored the only goal of the game in the 20th minute as Der BVB extended their winning run in the competition to three games.
With the Champions League disappointment against Juventus still fresh in the memory, Dortmund looked for a recovery here and went ahead quite early in the first half. Julian Ryerson squared the ball for an unmarked Adeyemi, who took a touch and raced forward before unleashing an eye-popping shot that found the right corner of the goal.
In the 59th minute, Die Wolfe came agonizingly close to scoring the equalizer as Konstantinos Koulierakis struck the underside of the bar before the hosts cleared the danger away. Felix Nmecha then raised pulses at the other end with a venomous header from a corner that forced Wolfsburg custodian Kamil Grabara into a fine save.
As Dortmund remained in control of the proceedings going into the final stages, the visitors appeared to have given up, looking devoid of steam and resigned to fate. Nico Kovac's side sealed all three points and now sit in second with 10, two off leaders and reigning champions, Bayern Munich.
Here are the player ratings for Dortmund:
Gregor Kobel - 7/10: A comfortable outing where didn't have to face a single shot from Wolfsburg
Waldemar Anton - 7.5/10: Kept the right flank firmly under check, restricting Patrick Wimmer
Nico Schlotterbeck - 7.5/10: Another solid game for him, demonstrating leadership qualities in defense and commanding his area with great authority
Remi Bensebaini - 7.5/10: Excellent vision, having made four clearances in the game, and looked strong in the air too
Julian Ryerson - 8.5/10: An excellent attacking display which resulted in a staggering 15 crosses, four key passes and one assist - sublime!
Marcel Sabitzer - 7.5/10: Connected well with the forwards and created a few good chances along the way too
Felix Nmecha - 7/10: Not the best night for him but did rattle the crossbar at one point
Daniel Svensson - 7.5/10: Offered plenty of width on the left and made eight crosses, but far too sloppy on the ball too
Karim Adeyemi - 9/10: Opened his account for the season with a stunning 20-yard strike; two goals in two games in all competitions for the little dynamite!
Maximilian Beier - 6.5/10: Excellent at winning back possession but struggled to really challenge Wolfsburg upfront
Serhou Guirassy - 6/10: Saw his long scoring run in the Bundesliga come to a halt following a shockingly toothless display
Substitutes
Carney Chukwuemeka - 6/10
Jobe Bellingham - 6.5/10
Julian Brandt - 6/10