Round 18
January 22, 2012
Dortmund came out right from the start looking as if they couldn't wait to get back on the pitch after the winter break.
Hamburg had trouble dealing with the visitors' relentless pressing, and a turnover on the quarter of an hour mark proved costly. Kevin Grosskreutz slotted home after some adroit short-range passing.
That goal was a team effort. Dortmund's second was the product of an inspired solo by Robert Lewandowski in minute 37. The Polish striker made quick work of German nationals Heiko Westermann and Dennis Aogo before chipping Hamburg keeper Jaroslav Drobny.
And things got no better for the hosts in the second half. Jakub Blaszcykowski fired one past Drobny, as Dortmund hit Hamburg on the counterattack. He also scored on a penalty in minute 75. Seven minutes later, Lewandowski completed his brace after some more nifty passing in front of Hamburg's goal.
Paolo Guerrero scored for Hamburg with five minutes to go, but by that time there was no face left to save. The loss was the first for the Northern Germans since coach Thorsten Fink took over the club in October.
The 5-1 thrashing moves Dortmund back into second place in the table, level on points with leaders Bayern and third-placed Schalke.
Leverkusen holds on for a win
In Sunday's late match, Leverkusen grabbed a first-half lead over Mainz on an own goal and a header by Manuel Friedrich.
But the hosts repaid the favor with a lack of concentration after the break. Eugen Polanski and Marco Caligiuri equalized within the space of three minutes for Mainz.
Leverkusen’s Lars Bender responded by heading in a corner with 20 minutes left to play. And his team held on, despite a late Mainz claim for a penalty, to record a nervous 3-2 win.
Author: Jefferson Chase
Editor: Kyle James