Julian Brandt propels Borussia Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga with a narrow victory over Werder Bremen

Julian Brandt scored in the second half to lift Borussia Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga table, at least for the time being.

Dortmund made a determined start, looking for another victory in front of their fans. Donyell Malen put stand-in Bremen goalkeeper Michael Zetterer to the test with the first shot of the game, but it was turned back by a strong save.

That set the tone for much of the first period, with the visiting shotstopper denying Julian Ryerson and Malen twice more. As Werder put up a spirited display, Leonardo Bittencourt and Marvin Ducksch tried their luck in front of the hosts' goal - but there was no doubt that Dortmund had the better of the first half.

The best chance of the first 45 minutes came from a close-range Marco Reus shot that went wide.

Brandt had the first effort of a tense second half, but it was blocked, before former Bremen striker Niclas Füllkrug's shot was deflected behind.

Shortly after, Malen volleyed a floated Reus cross wide as the hosts continued to press. Chances were hard to come by against a deep-sitting and hard-working Bremen team. That is, until Emre Can threaded a defense-splitting pass through for Brandt to chase and chip into the net to provide the much-needed breakthrough.

Little changed after Dortmund took the lead, with Bremen remaining compact and the hosts patiently looking for additional chances.

Young substitute Justin Njinmah had a chance to equalize saved before Felix Nmecha blasted a chance for Dortmund to score over the bar.

Ultimately, the single goal was enough to extend Dortmund's unbeaten start to the season and vault them to the top of the table, at least temporarily.

SportsLigue