Die Schwarzgelben send back Kevin-Prince Boateng

While not a surprise, Kevin-Prince Boateng is set to return to English side Tottenham as BVB will not be exercising this option. The German U-21 international had moved to the English side from Berlin for a rumoured fee of £5.4m in July of 2007 (then €8.6m). Despite showing a great deal of promise for Jürgen Klopp with a option fee reputedly in the range of €6.7m to €8.6m, he was simply out of the Dortmunders price range.

Neven Subotić staying in Dortmund

At twenty years of age Neven Subotić has quickly established himself as a fixture in Jürgen Klopp's starting eleven. Naturally that has not went unnoticed and a number of prominent sides are apparently making overtures towards the young Serbian international. Most notably English side Everton to which the top brass of BVB, Hans-Joachim Watzke, told Bild that he is "integral part of our plans".

Vacationing at home in Belgrade, Neven added his commitment to die Schwarzgelben, citing his excitement of the clubs future and that he is "feeling good being there (BVB)". While the option of moving abroad looms in the future, he acknowledges it is likely too soon.

a great start to the centennial

The Dortmunders incredible push came up one step short as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach. In an incredible turn of events, it looked like that would be enough to see them through as Hamburg was deadlocked against Frankfurt before Piotr Trochowski added a injury-time goal to send his side to the Europa League.

The hosts strategy was clear, to nullify BVB's attack first and go forward with safer countering measures. With veteran Tomáš Galásek controlling the defensive line they bent to BVB's pressure but could only be broken once. Die Schwarzgelben had a number early chances to score, most falling to Nelson Valdez but each was off course. Opportunities slowed to a more cautious tone in the later stages of the opening half with the exception of Dante registering Gladbach's lone chance as he headed soon-to-be Bayern man Alexander Baumjohann's corner off the post. The hosts grabbed a shock lead three minutes before the hour as Dortmund, playing a man down temporarily as Felipe Santana was receiving medical treatment, allowed Dante to crash into the box and headed-in Baumjohann's corner. BVB pressed to level and did so four minutes after the hour as Sebastian Kehl sent a long ball that got past Paul Stalteri to Jakub Błaszczykowski with Kuba executing the final touch to perfection near the spot. With nineteen minutes left the Polish international was substituted for Mohamed Zidan but that seemed to have a detrimental impact on BVB's flanking assaults. Despite the continued efforts the match ended even and the Dortmunders Europa League dream ended.

Although the disappointment of not earning a spot in European football "stings", this was a incredible start to the centennial celebration. Die Schwarzgelben waved with pride in the Rückrunde, the fourth best result in the Bundesliga and one that provides great promise for the future.

Die Schwarzgelben final push for Europa League

Jürgen Klopp's message is loud and clear and for any Footballer, you've heard it before. Everything is on the line and yesterday is forgotten, it is your chance to rise to the top.

Die Schwarzgelben visit Gladbach tomorrow in a death battle to the finish. For the home-side it could mean survival and BVB is fighting for the improbably charge that has lead them to foot of European football. Push beyond the tactics, forget the place in the table, this will be the ultimate of matches with everything on the line.

Tensions will run high and given Gladbach's style of man marking and veteran players lead by Tomáš Galásek, this is likely to be very physical match. Alexander Frei and Tamás Hajnal had problems during the week with injuries but they are expected to be able to go.

BVB close in on Europa League with 6-0 hammering of Bielefeld

Die Schwarzgelben responded to Tuesdays defeat with a 6-0 devastation of Bielefeld at Westfalenstadion. The victory, combined with Köln's upset of Hamburg, pushes the Dortmunders into a Europa League spot.

Without a change to BVB-Cheftrainer Jürgen Klopp's starting eleven from prior weeks the visiting schwarz-weiß-blauen imposed a difficult defensive approach early. However two minutes prior to the half Alexander Frei sent a free kick from the left into the box that the captain, Sebastian Kehl, rose high to out-duel Bielefeld 'keeper Dennis Eilhoff and headed the ball in. After the break, possibly because news had leaked around Westfalenstadion of Köln's upset brewing, BVB came out and took advantage of the visitors being forced to open up their play. Eight minutes after the re-start the score was doubled as Polish international Jakub Błaszczykowski came down the right wing before sending to Nelson Valdez near the byline, whose cross to Frei in-close came out to Tamás Hajnal to finish from six metres out. The third goal came with twenty-one minutes left as Kuba chased down a long through ball down the right flank and outracing the defender sent a perfect cross that Valdez redirected into the back of the net via a sliding touch. After the goal Jürgen Klopp allowed Valdez to leave the match to the cheers of 80,000 plus and only three minutes later his replacement, Mohamed Zidan, created the fourth goal. To the left of the box near the byline the Egyptian international sent a perfect low pass near the spot that Tamás Hajnal allowed to go through to Kehl to drive in. Up 4-0, the celebration continued with regular updates of Köln's success still being the hot topic but with six minutes later it was 5-0 as Dedê's cross from the left was headed in by Tinga from the top of the six yard box. Finally Mohamed Zidan puncuateted the celebration as he made it 6-0 with a drive from just inside the box three minutes from time.

BVB's streak ends to Wolfsburg

Die Schwarzgelben unbeaten run came to end at the hands of first-place Wolfsburg, losing 3-0 at Volkswagen Arena. Although disappointed with the loss, the scoreline was deceiving and BVB was definitely the victim of a number of dubious calls.

BVB-Cheftrainer Jürgen Klopp confidently pushed his side forward from the opening whistle and without a doubt the home side was on their heels forced to defend. Jakub Błaszczykowski flanking runs were filleting Wolfsburg's defenders and early on the Polish international provided Alexander Frei a high quality chance but he could not get his shot off. Exposing Wolfsburg's flanking weakness, at the eleventh minute Patrick Owomoyela sped down the right linking with Tamás Hajnal to supply Frei another chance but his set-up was off and he sent his shot high. In their first real scoring chance Grafite and Josué worked a one-two with Edin Džeko being supplied and finishing from just beyond ten metres. BVB was not deterred by the goal and returned to controlling the run of play, threatening again but as is so often the case for visitors to Volkswagen Arena calls didn't go their way. Another quality chance for BVB to break onto the score sheet was denied when Alexander Madlung dragged Felipe Santana off the ball but the call did not come. However referee decisions aside BVB was unable to break down Wolfsburg with the final touch and two minutes into the new half the Bosnian Džeko passed Grafite the ball from the left and he quickly drove the ball in. Down 2-0 the matches pace slowed and Jürgen Klopp pulled Tamás Hajnal, Nelson Valdez and Jakub Blaszczykowski to ensure their availability for the remaining matches. With fifteen minutes remaining Kevin-Prince Boateng received a straight red-card in another peculiar call as he was adjudged to throwing a elbox, although it seemed anything but intentional. With five minutes left Wolfsburg made it 3-0 as Grafite's pass for the left careened off Felipe Santana foot to Edin Džeko, with the Bosnian adding his second of the day.

On Saturday BVB makes its final push for the Europa League as the schwarz-weiß-blauen of Bielefeld visit Westfalenstadion.

Dortmund defeat Karlsruher SC 4-0

With 80,000 strong at Westfalenstadion, BVB was focused on extending their winning streak and without fail they did precisely that defeating Karlsruher SC 4-0. Die Schwarzgelben are well on pace to their best finish since the championship in 2002 and the final three matches will determine if the Europa League is in their immediate future.

BVB-Cheftrainer Jürgen Klopp was highly complimentary of the opposition and with the same starting eleven as last weeks win Frankfurt, they immediately asserted their attacking prowess. Visionary attempts by Nelson Valdez and Tamás Hajnal came close but at the twenty-fifth Jakub Błaszczykowski nailed the ball into the net after Alexander Frei played him through with a good touch. The Dortmunders continued to pressure but slowly Ede Becker’s countering measures presented KSC scoring chances. However two minutes past the hour Nuri Şahin struck a incredible dipping free-kick from twenty-three metres into the back of the net to double the advantage. With the match no longer in question, Felipe Santana redirected Şahin's corner in with nineteen minutes left to make it 3-0. Not done for the day Alexander Frei accepted a long pass from Kevin-Prince Boateng before pounding the ball past KSC 'keeper Markus Miller.

BVB quest for a Europa League spot continues against KSC

After BVB's six consecutive victory against Frankfurt last week a packed Westfalenstadion will welcome KSC on Saturday. On three points behind Hamburg and Stuttgart Jürgen Klopp's side is poised to make a move into a Europa League spot should either side fail.

Die Schwarzgelben face a difficult day against Ede Becker's side as they are known for tough physical play and not afraid of grinding out a scoreless draw. Speaking respectfully of his former team, "his KSC", Tamás Hajnal said, "I promise to all Karlsruher that we will do everything to beat them as well. And who knows, maybe KSC avoid the drop after all."

Jürgen Klopp should have few changes to his lineup but expressed caution with the opposition:

"KSC have, for a team on this position, very few weaknesses. That´s unusual. It´s not going to be an easy game. We treat it with a lot of respect. We have to take advantage of our own strengths."

Schwarzgelben over Frankfurt 2-0

Die Schwarzgelben continued their push towards a Europa League berth with a 2-0 victory over Frankfurt. With their sixth consecutive victory Jürgen Klopp's side is only three points off Stuttgart and Hamburg tied for the fourth spot in the table.

In front of a sold-out Waldstadion, the match started with few significant scoring chances as both sides screwed down defensive liabilities tight. As is the customary practice of BVB coach, a successful lineup is never tinkered with and he kept with the same starting eleven of recent play. The match certainly had all the makings of a draw as for much of the first hour the general play was testament to perfect planning and error free structure. Slowly BVB began to find modest openings and with eleven minutes remaining Patrick Owomoyela came down the right side of the box and centred the ball back to Tamás Hajnal. After the Hungarian international's attempt was blocked by Marco Russ, Mohamed Zidan sent in the rebound from twelve metres. Only five minutes later the match was settled as Tamás Hajnal chased down a long-through ball and sent a low cross in from the bye-line that was inadvertently redirected in by Habib Bellaid as a own goal to give BVB the 2-0 win.

Schwarzgelben incredible season

With five matches remaining BVB is heading to their best season since winning the championship in 2002. Presently standing with forty-nine points, the Dortmunder's will need to make up five points for a Europa League spot but with lower table sides Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Bielefeld and Monchengladbach still to play the chance is there.

Jürgen Klopp is not predicting anything other than a continuation of hard working "honest" Football. Patrick Owomoyela said of the schwarzgelben effort:

"It´s so much fun and we enjoy it. And we don´t have to pinch ourselves to make sure it´s real, because we know how hard we worked for these wins."

The next step in BVB's advances is Frankfurt on Saturday which naturally will be a smoldering cauldron. With a disappointing season blanketed by endless injuries Frankfurt has fought just to stay above relegation. Problems aside they can come up with big performances and their "twelfth-man" will not be quieted. Roughly 10,000 Dortmunders are making the short drive north in support and will be needed in what is likely to be the weekends most vocal match.

Schwarzgelben defeat Hamburg 2-0

Die Schwarzgelben continued their path to one of their best finishes in a decade as they sent Hamburg home with a 2-0 defeat. The Dortmunder's victory is fifth successive triumph, of which they have continued their defending mastery as they have only allowed two blemishes during the period.

A sold-out Westfalenstadion met HSV and from the start, the high flying club knew 80,000 voices would be heard through the day. Without injury concern Jürgen Klopp kept to the lineup and tactical styling that like a fine engine is running in perfect syncopation. Following Jürgen Klopp's decree to ""stay hungry", BVB dug their heels in and gave no ground uncontested. Amongst the backdrop of sea of black and yellow flags Hamburg's much talked of attack was no match and were unable to find their way into the final third. Midway of the half the Serb, Neven Subotić, woke HSV up with a drive from thirty-five metres that rattled the bar only to be matched seven minutes later by Nelson Valdez that did the same. If HSV felt fortunate to escape the two goals, their day turned shortly as Dortmunder's sang out in praise from the stands, BVB answered as Sebastian Kehl found the needed goal.

Sahin played in Kehl just two minutes after Valdez´ effort and the skipper was a picture of calm as he brought the ball down in the box to slide the ball through Rost´s legs to put the home side one up. It was Kehl´s third goal of the season and it prompted HSV into a spirited if clueless reaction. From roughly forty-metres Nuri Şahin sent a perfect lob to the captain on the left who followed the ball through Frank Rost's legs from thirteen metres. The goal was in-fact set up through a consistant tactical plan of stressing width via Jakub Błaszczykowski and in essence opening up channel attacks. With the lead, there was little doubt that Jürgen Klopp would turn the screw and force HSV to take greater chances if they were to find the equalizer. Tactically it was a master-stroke as die schwarzgelben were strolling to the victory with less than a quarter of hour left. The tactical plan fell off-course with ten minutes remaining when Roman Weidenfeller's clearance was insufficient and the Dortmunder's came close to giving up the three points via Ivica Olić effort. However that effort fell shy and as time wound down Alexander Frei converted from the spot to make it 2-0 after Michael Gravgaard was adjudged a penalty for bringing Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Schwarzgelben win B1 derby

BVB won its fourth successive match as they defeated Bochum 2-0 in the B1 derby. With six weeks remaining Jürgen Klopp has his club poised for one the best finishes of the decade and a spot in the to Europa League is not out of question.

With no reason to change his starting eleven, die Schwarzgelben went forward against their Ruhr neighbours with the same lineup as last weeks win against Köln. After an early effort by Bochum did not find the mark BVB poured forward in a attacking frenzy. After a few close calls and some great work by Bochum's Stanislav Šesták clearing Tamás Hajnal effort off the line, BVB took the lead at the eleventh minute when Alexander Frei's corner was headed-in by Patrick Owomoyela from the near post. BVB doubled its lead nine minutes in the half when Nuri Şahin found Paraguayan international Nelson Valdez just outside edge of the box, who then finished with a perfectly placed curling shot to the opposite top corner. With the two goal lead Jürgen Klopp's men were clamping down the match with few true scoring chances coming to Bochum. After Antar Yahia's header struck the post in added time the match ended with BVB winning for the first time in Bochum in over a decade.

BVB continues with derby win over Köln

Die Schwarzgelben tremendous season continued with a 3-1 derby victory over FC Köln. The victory not only extends BVB's winning streak to three matches but has seen a dramatic turnaround in attack, due in-part to the return of Polish international Jakub Blaszczykowski. The result propels Jürgen Klopp's side closer to a spot in European football and their best finish in over five years.

After spotting Köln the lead via Nemanja Vučićević's goal at the tenth minute after Fabrice Ehret passed the ball back to him to find to opposite right corner from fourteen metres. Köln locked into a firm defensive approach, comfortable to allowing BVB to control play but limiting the final third. However at the half-hour BVB leveled the match as Alexander Frei's corner was headed-in at the back post by Serbian international Neven Subotić. Die Schwarzgelben took the lead four minutes after the break following Frei's cross was cleared to the path of Tamás Hajnal, with Hungary's Player of the Year volleying the ball in off the post from twenty-two metres. Down by two Köln was forced to push forward but without much success they left their back exposed to BVB's countering efforts. Köln's misery continued nine minutes before the end as Alexander Frei's cross from the left of their 'keeper was heading wide before being turned in by Pedro Geromel to bring the match to 3-1.

Next up is the B1-Derby against VfL Bochum who trampled Hoffenheim 3-0.

BVB's push for Europa League

With BVB enjoying its best campaign in six seasons, the chance to earn a spot in Europe is not out of reach. With eight remaining weeks in the Bundesliga season, they are five points behind Stuttgart but equally heading into two highly winnable matches starting with this weeks encounter against Köln.

In his first match for the Schwarzgelben since the start of Rückrunde, Polish international Jakub Blaszczykowski's impact was swift and to the point. While he was unquestionably rusty from a long lay off, his pace and breadth provided the much needed threat that has been lacking for BVB and played its part in the 3-1 defeat of the Berliners.

Humble in his play, he commented that he wasn't overly satisfied but eager for this weekends match against Köln:

"I was unsure. But after every sprint I felt more confident and the feeling returned that the muscle will be okay," he said after the game. "It´s getting better and better. But I still need a bit of time to get to my old form again."

Sebastian Kehl, Tamás Hajnal and Florian Kringe are all looking doubtful for Jürgen Klopp with Kevin-Prince Boateng in contention after returning to the lineup.

Die Schwarzgelben over Berliners

Die Schwarzgelben came back from the international break with a 3-1 victory over the Berliners. The unbelievable triumph breaks BVB to within five points of a Europa League spot and sets up Jürgen Klopp's side for a series of important matches starting with Köln next week.

Olympiastadion had over 74,000 in attendance and what they saw was a revitalized BVB attack pushed forward with the return of Polish international Jakub “Kuba” Blaszczykowski. Hertha had most of early possession as BVB had to adjust the Berliner strikers, Ukraine international Andriy Voronin and Raffael playing deep. However after twenty five minutes Alexander Frei accepted Tamás Hajnal's pass and sent the ball in to give BVB the 1-0 lead. Hertha was still showing the majority of attacking prowess but they couldn't find a Raffael scored nine minutes after the half, when he made his way through BVB defenders before sending it past Roman Weidenfeller. However with the attacking trio of Kuba, Alexander Frei and Nelson Valdez now together for the first time since the start of the Rückrunde, BVB showed a different side and stretched the opposition. Nine minutes after the leveling goal Sebastian Kehl provided what would be the winner as he sent Dedê's cross into the box in. Finally with eight minutes remaining Nuri Şahin, who was a continuous problem for Berliner Patrick Ebert, drove a shot that 'keeper Jaroslav Drobný couldn't handle and Nelson Valdez pounded in for the 3-1 victory.

Schwarzgelben return

Die Schwarzgelben get back into action this Saturday as they travel to face Hertha at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The international break came at an inopportune time for the the Dortmunders as they registered their first win of the Rückrunde defeating Werder Bremen at Westfalenstadion.

The race for the Bundesliga's final spot in the Europa League is wide open as the little village team, 1899 Hoffenheim, has went into a steep slide and turned 180º from its early highs. With nine match-days remaining BVB's schedule is possibly the most lenient of those in search of that spot but Jürgen Klopp's men have a brand new series of injuries from international play to contend with.

Saturday's match is going to push the boundaries of midfield as BVB will miss Tinga to suspension as well as doubtful situations of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Florian Kringe, Tamás Hajnal and Patrick Owomoyela. To complicate the situation Nuri Şahin returned from representing Turkey against Spain with a heavy gash on his hand but he is expected to be available. The only remaining option is Lee Young-Pyo who took part in Republic of Korea's World Cup qualifying efforts this past week. On the positive side Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski is looking fully fit, taking part in Poland's remarkable 10-0 victory over St Marino and is expected to be in the starting eleven.

Endlich!

After seven attempts die Schwarzgelben claimed their first victory of the Rückrunde with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen at Westfalenstadion.

Without Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mats Hummels and Bajram Sadrijaj, Jürgen Klopp maintained their standard 4-4-2 "diamond" formation, tactically Sebastian Kehl had his hands full in the midfield against Bremen's Diego, Claudio Pizarro and Hugo Almeida. As the match began it became very clear that the visitors were not prepared to expose themselves going forward the defending was the rule of the day. Excluding a close range miss by Bremen's Claudio Pizzaro the match barely had a notable scoring attempt before the break and went to the half scoreless. After one penalty call in favour of BVB was denied near the hour mark, Nelson Valdez was brought down in the area by Sebastian Boenisch at the sixty-fourth minute and referee Knut Kircher pointed to the spot. Alexander Frei stepped up and pounded the ball into the net to give die Schwarzgelben the 1-0 lead. Bremen pressed for the equalizer late with five minutes remaining but Roman Weidenfeller denied Pizzaro's clearing scoring chance and kept BVB's victory intact.

BVB still winless in the Rückrunde

In an odd series of defending breakdowns, BVB twice gave up two goal leads to play Hannover 96 to a 4-4 draw. While the draw is not-so surprising for die Schwarzgelben, the uncharacteristic defending was disheartening.

Using the customary 4-4-2 diamond Jürgen Klopp welcomed Sebastian Kehl back from suspension with Alexander Frei and Patrick Owomoyela coming in for Mohamed Zidan and Kevin-Prince Boateng who were both unavailable. BVB took the lead seventeen minutes in after Nuri Şahin was felled in the area by Michael Tarnat and the spot was pointed to. Frei confidently gave BVB the lead but Sahin had to leave due to injury. Ten minutes later Florian Kringe, who had come in for Sahin, doubled the margin as he profited from a great linkup of play between Nelson Valdez and Tamás Hajnal. After failing to increase the lead the Hannover side was urged on by its fans with Jiří Štajner heading in a corner three minutes before the break. The goal invigorated the hosts and came out of break running roughshod over BVB. Three minutes into the half a defending weary BVB gave up another set-piece as Arnold Bruggink found the back of the net. After withstanding a series of attacking waves BVB took the lead when Florian Kringe volleyed in Patrick Owomoyela's cross two minutes past the hour. The swirling onslaught continued as Alexander Frei restored the two goal margin only a few minutes later as he accepted the Paraguayan Valdez' through ball and confidently pounded the ball in from thirty metres. Remarkably the two goal margin was not enough as Hannover fought back to square the match up, first with ex-Schalke man Mike Hanke goal with ten minutes remaining and only three minutes later, after the spot was pointed to per Neven Subotić bringing down Hanke in area, Mikael Forssell converted.

Still winless in the Rückrunde, BVB have fallen to ninth in the table and now face Werder and Hertha BSC is successive weeks.

Kevin-Prince Boateng out for four weeks

Jürgen Klopp's tactical plan for die Schwarzgelben next month has been shuffled as Kevin-Prince Boateng is out with the knee injury. Upon examination by Dr. Markus Braun in Duisburg it was revealed that the mid-fielder, on-loan from Tottenham of the English Premier League, partially tore a ligament in his right knee and will out of action for four weeks.

überlegenen BVB

Superiour in every way except for what matters the most, BVB lost to Stuggart 2-1. With the loss die Schwarzgelben are still win-less in the Rückrunde and starting to see their Europa League hopes disappear.

In a surprise move Jürgen Klopp added Dedê to the starting eleven with Lee Young-Pyo returning from suspension and Egyptian international Mohamed Zidan and Nelson Valdez as the attacking tandem up front. With the firm goal of limiting scoring chances for Mario Gómez, VfB took the lead ten minutes into the match as Élson free kick found the far corner of the net. Within minutes Gómez and Georg Niedermeier threatened to increase the margin but BVB was simply fortunate to stay in the match. With much of the match resigned to mid-field play, neither side had an advantage until eight minutes before the break when Thomas Hitzlsperger’s effort was cleared off the line by Dedê.

At the break Kevin-Prince Boateng for Florian Kringe and overall momentum switched to BVB’s favour. Probing the right flank Tamás Hajnal’s cross to Nelson Valdez in the six yard box resulted in a the equalizer die Schwarzgelben were looking for. However the deadlock didn’t last long as Thomas Hitzlsperger through-ball to Mario Gómez resulted in the German international pounding the ball into the net. Searching for the right mix Jürgen Klopp changed the front line late with Alexander Frei, Christopher Kullmann coming in for Mohamed Zidan and Nelson Valdez. The final ten minutes BVB poured forward but effort after effort fell for naught and the match ended with a 2-1 loss.