German international Karim Adeyemi scored the first of Borussia Dortmund's four goals on February 19, 2023 against Hertha Berlin © INA FASSBENDER / AFP/Archives

The other club from the federal capital, which could not do better than a draw on its Alte Försterei lawn against the red lantern Schalke (0-0) on Sunday, even missed a golden opportunity to s sit alone on the leader's throne.

On the evening of the 21st day of the German championship, three teams therefore share the lead in the standings with 43 points each.

Bayern Munich, in slow motion in 2023 in the Bundesliga (one win, three draws and one defeat), only remains in the lead on goal difference: +40 for the Bavarians, +17 for the BVB and +11 for the Berliners.

And the tightening in the lead is general, since behind the trio, Freiburg, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won on Saturday;

are in ambush at three, four and five points respectively.

Six teams in five points after 21 days is unheard of across the Rhine at this stage of the season.

The 22nd day scheduled for next weekend could make it possible to see more clearly - or not - with the clashes between Bayern and the Union (Sunday at 5.30 p.m.) and between Leipzig and Frankfurt (Saturday at 3.30 p.m.).

On Sunday, in a special jersey in black and silver colors, in tribute to the former + steelworkers + and miners of the city and their passion for the club, Borussia Dortmund signed a sixth victory in a row in the Bundesliga, against the penultimate and first relegation, Hertha Berlin.

If we add qualification for the quarter-finals of the German Cup and Wednesday's victory against Chelsea in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, Edin Terzic's men have eight consecutive successes at the start of the season. year 2023.

Concern for Adeyemi

The Dortmund coach has been able to count lately on the performance of German international Karim Adeyemi, author of a superb goal in C1 and involved in the first two goals on Sunday: a backheel on a center shot from Marco Reus ( 1-0, 27th) and a dazzling acceleration to serve Donyell Malen (2-0, 32nd).

Unfortunately, on the action that leads to the second goal, Adeyemi touched the back of his left thigh before delivering his pass, and had to leave, cheered by the 81,000 spectators of the Westfalenstadion.

The medical examinations scheduled for Monday will provide more information.

In the second half, Hertha pressed on Gregor Kobel's goal, reducing the score by Lucas Tousart (47th).

But the Borussia defense held and Marco Reus, with a magnificent Platini-style free kick, gave Dortmund a two-goal lead (76th) before Julian Brandt finally killed the suspense (90th).

Hertha Berlin's Danish goalkeeper, Oliver Christensen, helpless on Marco Reus' free kick in the 76th minute of the match between Borussia Dortmund and the Berlin club on February 19, 2023 © INA FASSBENDER / AFP / Archives

Earlier in the afternoon, Union Berlin did not find the solution to break the lock of Schalke 04, last and which has a fourth goalless draw in the league.

Before traveling to Bavaria in seven days, Urs Fischer's players will receive Ajax Amsterdam in a play-off return to the knockout stages of the Europa League (the two teams were neutralized 0-0 in the first leg on Thursday ).

Like Borussia Dortmund, the Union are unbeaten in 2023 with six wins and a draw in the league, a draw in the European Cup and a qualification in the quarter-finals of the German Cup.

© 2023 AFP