Dortmund, March 19 (BNA): Borussia Dortmund rose to the top of the German Football League standings after beating its guest Cologne 6-1 on Saturday, with Sebastian Haller and captain Marco Reus scoring two goals.
The Ruhr Valley club, who won the Bundesliga title for the last time under coach Jurgen Klopp in 2012, confirmed their title ambitions by outdoing their opponents during an explosive four-goal performance in the first half.
Dortmund now have 53 points, one ahead of Bayern Munich, who play Sunday against Bayer Leverkusen. RB Leipzig are third with 45 after surprisingly losing 1-0 to struggling VfL Bochum.
“We showed a really good game today, started well and dominated right away. The players enjoyed themselves there,” Dortmund coach Edin Terzic told a news conference.
“We took a step in the right direction today especially in terms of efficiency. Everyone performed really well and didn’t let up at any point, from goalkeeper to striker.”
The Bundesliga will resume on Friday 31 March after a break for international matches.
“We are happy to enter the international break with this result,” Terzic said. “We are generally satisfied with our game and rhythm.”
Raphael Guerrero, who scored last week also against Schalke 04, opened Dortmund’s account in the 15th minute after a fine finish on the wing from Donyell Mallen.
Ivory Coast striker Haller returned to full fitness after undergoing treatment for cancer earlier in the season, with a quick pass after two minutes.
With Cologne playing catch-up, it was only a matter of time until Dortmund scored again and Reus fired superbly after just half an hour before Mallen also fired home with a powerful shot that goalkeeper Marvin Schweppe was unable to parry.
Cologne briefly came up for air in the 42nd minute when Davy Selk pulled one back with his first goal for the club, but despite a slower pace after the break, Dortmund still scored twice in two minutes.
Haller scored his second goal after Mo Daoud’s free kick rebounded off the crossbar and Reus made it 150 goals in the Bundesliga and 161 goals in all competitions for the club in the 70th minute.
Haller scored his second goal after Mo Daoud’s free kick rebounded off the crossbar and Reus made it 150 goals in the Bundesliga and 161 goals in all competitions for the club in the 70th minute.