DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - Successful, but still lacking sparkle: Borussia Dortmund defeated Werder Bremen and solidified their hold on second place in the Bundesliga standings. Coach Niko Kovac's team only pulled away late, ultimately securing a clear 3-0 (1-0) victory over the Hanseatic visitors thanks to two late goals. In front of 81,365 spectators, Nico Schlotterbeck (11th minute), Marcel Sabitzer (76th), and substitute Serhou Guirassy (83rd) found the net for BVB.

The three goals masked what was for long stretches a lackluster performance from Dortmund, who remain unbeaten at home in the league. Guirassy also ended a personal dry spell, scoring in the league for the first time since late October.

Werder have now gone six competitive matches without a win. Coach Horst Steffen's team—whose match against TSG Hoffenheim last weekend was postponed due to weather—must be careful not to get dragged into a relegation battle after a poor start to the year.

Guirassy Initially on the Bench

Kovac opted to leave the recently out-of-form Guirassy out of the starting lineup, instead fielding Fábio Silva at center forward. Initially, however, BVB found themselves tested defensively. Keeper Gregor Kobel was alert to deny Justin Njinmah on a Werder counterattack, and Marco Grüll fired a long-range effort over the Dortmund goal.

The hosts visibly struggled in a nervous opening phase against Bremen's high pressing. Dortmund made mistakes in their build-up play and were fortunate that the Green-Whites failed to capitalize. Then, almost out of nowhere, a corner kick produced the opening goal. Schlotterbeck found himself remarkably unmarked three meters from the Werder goal and made no mistake with his header.

Boos at Halftime

That goal did not bring much security to BVB. Njinmah, possibly in an offside position, nearly equalized but again failed to beat Kobel when through on goal. Werder continued to look the better side, enjoying more possession and winning more challenges. However, around the Dortmund penalty area, the visitors made too many poor decisions.

The discontent of Dortmund fans was clear despite the lead, as they sent their team into the break with a loud chorus of boos.

Sabitzer Decides the Match

After the restart, BVB improved somewhat. However, Dortmund still did not produce thrilling attacking football. The Westphalians were at least more solid in their build-up and created chances to extend their lead. In a triple chance, Maximilian Beier and Silva could not get past Werder keeper Mio Backhaus and the visitors' defense.

With a quarter of an hour remaining, Sabitzer did better. The midfielder sealed the contest with a powerful and precise shot. Substitute Guirassy even added another goal before the final whistle./the/DP/nas