Nwaneri helps Dortmund complete stunning late comeback against Hoffenheim

Borussia Dortmund scored three times in the closing stages to overturn a two-goal deficit and beat Hoffenheim 3-2, with Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri playing a decisive part in a dramatic Bundesliga match on Saturday.

Hoffenheim had looked in control for long periods and established a commanding advantage through goals from Leon Avdullahu and Tim Lemperle.

Dortmund were forced into an early change when Filippo Mane was injured after 30 minutes. Nwaneri, who became the youngest player in Premier League history during his time with Arsenal, was introduced as his replacement.

The visitors gradually began to impose themselves after the hour mark. Serhou Guirassy pulled one goal back before later setting up Fabio Silva, who scored to bring Dortmund level and complete the main part of the turnaround.

Dortmund then found a dramatic winner four minutes before the end of normal time. Nwaneri drove forward down the left before cutting inside and shooting towards goal. His effort struck Hoffenheim defender Albian Hajdari and was deflected into the net, securing a 3-2 victory.

Elversberg maintain perfect start

Newly promoted Elversberg continued their remarkable beginning to life in the Bundesliga by recovering from a 3-1 deficit to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-3 away from home.

Gladbach had twice moved in front before extending their advantage midway through the second half. Elversberg’s task became more difficult shortly before half-time when head coach Vincent Wagner was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Despite being without their manager in the technical area, Elversberg responded strongly. Felix Keidel equalised with 10 minutes remaining, and Maurice Krattenmacher completed the comeback in stoppage time with his second goal of the game.

The result gives Elversberg two victories from their first two Bundesliga fixtures. The club, based in a town with a population of about 13,000, is the smallest community ever to have a team in Germany’s top division.

They began their campaign with another unexpected win last week, beating reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-2.

Leverkusen responded to that defeat in emphatic fashion by beating Union Berlin 4-0 at home. Argentina internationals Equi Fernandez and Facundo Medina scored in the first half to put Leverkusen firmly in control.

England defender Jarell Quansah then supplied the assist for Patrik Schick to score Leverkusen’s third, before Ibrahim Maza completed the rout with a stylish late finish.

Elsewhere, Niclas Fullkrug continued his impressive return to German football by scoring for the second time in three matches as Werder Bremen defeated RB Leipzig 3-1.

Fullkrug scored with a long-range header, while Eren Dinkci and Marco Grull were also on target for Bremen.

Europa League finalists Freiburg preserved their perfect start to the season with a narrow 1-0 victory away against promoted Paderborn.

Defending champions Bayern Munich were due to play another newly promoted side, Schalke, later on Saturday.