Maxi Beier Sends Dortmund Top of Bundesliga with Winner at Stuttgart
Borussia Dortmund will enter the international break at the Bundesliga summit after Maxi Beier’s 70th-minute finish earned a 1-0 win at VfB Stuttgart and delivered the club’s fourth straight league victory to open the campaign.
It is the first time in 11 years that Dortmund have begun a Bundesliga season with four consecutive wins. Niko Kovac’s side had to withstand a demanding away contest against high-level domestic opposition, with the coach particularly pleased by the patience and discipline shown in a tight match.
Beier settles Stuttgart contest
- The first half was closely balanced, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage.
- Kovac changed the contest after the interval by introducing Jobe Bellingham and Kosta Karetsas.
- In the 70th minute, Bellingham supplied a low ball across the six-yard area and Beier converted to score the only goal.
- Dortmund protected their lead to leave Stuttgart with all three points and retain top spot before the break.
Kovac said the result underlined the value of winning difficult fixtures away from home, especially against strong Bundesliga rivals. He also highlighted the range of options available from the bench as a major asset for Dortmund this season.
Kovac delighted for Beier
Beier, 23, scored shortly after missing out on national-team selection. Kovac was pleased that the forward had responded to that disappointment with the decisive contribution in Stuttgart.
“Football can produce the best stories,” Kovac said. “Maxi Beier is not with the national side, yet he scored today. I am very happy for him. It shows the quality we have in the squad, as well as Maxi’s ability, and he has earned this goal for himself.”
The Dortmund coach added that Beier can now take a short break and work from home while those players not involved with their international teams rest.
Heavy schedule after the break
Dortmund will return to preparation after a three-week pause, beginning an intense run with a match against Werder Bremen. They are scheduled to play nine times in 30 days across their competitions.
Kovac expressed full belief that his players can sustain their current level through the demanding autumn programme.
