Borussia Dortmund stayed level on points with leaders Bayern Munich after Felix Nmecha struck twice in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Elversberg at the Westfalenstadion.
Nmecha’s second brace of the season looked to have put Dortmund in control, but Noel Futkeu’s spectacular overhead kick set up a tense finish before the hosts held on. The result means Dortmund will remain alongside Bayern at the top of the standings over the November international break.
Dortmund began the weekend as one of only four teams in Europe’s top-five leagues still unbeaten in the league, and they created the first clear opening after 17 minutes. Fabio Silva attempted to beat Nicolas Kristof from distance, but his effort narrowly missed the post.
The hosts struggled to build sustained momentum, with Daniel Svensson fortunate to avoid more serious punishment after catching Lukas Pinckert on the ankle shortly afterwards.
Silva and Nmecha were both off target as Dortmund tried to mark their reunion with Elversberg with a victory. The teams had not met for 45 years, when their previous and only other encounter took place.
Elversberg remained organised until half-time and nearly produced a surprise lead just before the interval. Francis Onyeka’s shot from the edge of the penalty area missed the target by only a few inches.
The goalless first half had frustrated Dortmund, but their record after the break offered encouragement. They had scored 11 of their previous 14 league goals in the second half.
Onyeka was denied by an excellent save from Gregor Kobel soon after the restart, and Dortmund finally made the breakthrough barely a minute later. A misplaced pass in a dangerous area allowed Silva to find Nmecha, who placed a low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Nmecha continued to pose the greatest threat to Elversberg and doubled the advantage in the 71st minute. Silva again helped create the opportunity, while Maximilian Beier was brought down as he attempted to shoot. The loose ball fell to Nmecha, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew inside the right post.
The Westfalenstadion celebrated, although Dortmund’s defensive record after the hour mark meant the contest was not entirely secure. They had conceded five of their previous six domestic goals after the 60-minute mark.
That concern became reality with nine minutes remaining. Elversberg worked a short corner before Florian Le Joncour sent the ball back across the face of goal, allowing Noel Futkeu to score with an overhead kick beyond Kobel.
Felix Keidel’s free-kick in injury time, followed by a series of corners, tested Dortmund’s composure. They resisted the pressure to maintain their challenge alongside Bayern.
Elversberg, meanwhile, have won only one of their past 10 away league games, drawing four and losing five.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund)