Dortmund Edge Hoffenheim to Climb Out of Bundesliga Bottom

Ilkay Gundogan’s diving header secured a 1-0 win for Borussia Dortmund against Hoffenheim, a result which saw the Westfalendians limb out of the Bundesliga’s bottom three.

Unmarked Germany international Gundogan met Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s delightful cross and then headed in at the far post for only the second head goal in his Bundesliga career as Jurgen Klopp’s side claimed only their second league win in 11 matches.

Aubameyang found the net twice in the second half, only to be denied by the assistant referee’s flag for offside.

Ilkay Gundogan's Diving Header Sealed a Much-Needed Victory for Dortmund on Friday. Image: Reuters.
Ilkay Gundogan’s Diving Header Sealed a Much-Needed Victory for Dortmund on Friday. Image: Reuters.

An elated Klopp and fans at the Signa Iduna Park heaved a sigh of relief at the final whistle. The manager turned to his bench and hugged members of his backroom staff.

The victory was enough to take last season’s runners-up to 13th ahead of the Bundesliga’s remaining weekend matches.