DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - Playing with flair and confidence, Borussia Dortmund defeated FC Augsburg to solidify their second-place standing in the Bundesliga. Niko Kovac's side secured a well-deserved 2-0 (1-0) victory over the Bavarian Swabians.

In front of 81,365 spectators at Dortmund's stadium, Karim Adeyemi (13th minute) and 18-year-old Luca Reggiani (59th) provided the goals for BVB. The hosts, who could easily have won by a larger margin, now sit on 58 points.

For Augsburg, it was a second consecutive defeat following their 1-2 loss in Leipzig. Despite the result, Manuel Baum's team remains unlikely to face immediate relegation danger, having already collected 31 points this season.

Dortmund strikes with first opportunity

Kovac surprisingly left regular center-forwards Serhou Guirassy and FÝbio Silva out of his starting lineup. Instead, Maximilian Beier and Adeyemi were tasked with leading the attack. The plan paid off early: Beier delivered a low cross from the left, and Adeyemi converted the first chance of the match to give the Westphalians a 1-0 lead.

The visitors had to wait until the 23rd minute for their first real threat, following an error by BVB defender Waldemar Anton. Rodrigo Ribeiro broke free on the right and bore down on Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel, but fired his shot well over the crossbar.

Dortmund remained the clearly dominant side. The defense, led by captain Nico Schlotterbeck—facing off against his brother and FCA defender Keven Schlotterbeck—remained composed, though they were rarely tested.

Dortmund enjoyed significantly more possession and created several major opportunities to extend their lead. Both Beier and Adeyemi struck the woodwork, while FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen tipped a spectacular long-range effort from Jobe Bellingham over the bar. The performance and attitude were exemplary; at halftime, the only criticism for Dortmund was their wastefulness in front of goal.

Maiden goal for BVB youngster

The hosts continued their dominance after the break and were soon rewarded. Following a corner, the youngster Reggiani headed home his first Bundesliga goal in just his fourth appearance. The Italian celebrated exuberantly and received a thunderous ovation from the Südtribüne.

Augsburg coach Baum attempted to inject new life into his team by introducing fresh legs and Michael Gregoritsch as an attacking target man. However, Dortmund's victory was never in doubt./the/DP/zb