Sahin sends Dortmund top of Bundesliga

Nuri Sahin’s stoppage-time goal gave Borussia Dortmund a 2-1 win at Cologne on Friday that extended their winning streak to seven games and pushed them into first place in the Bundesliga.

Jakub Blaszczykowski scored the opening goal of the contest for Juergen Klopp’s Dortmund in the 20th minute before Lukas Podolski equalised in the 82nd minute, only for Sahin to claim a dramatic last-gasp winner.

“We needed to make it 2-0 much earlier. And then we didn’t defend properly on the equaliser. But it is amazing how aggressive the guys push forward looking for goals,” said Klopp. “It’s kind of scary from the sidelines.”

Dortmund jumped to 21 points after eight games and lead Mainz on goal difference, having played a game more.

“It’s a wonderful thing to take with us tonight. And we knew it would happen if we won. But it doesn’t mean all that much,” Klopp said about his team topping the standings.

Mainz, who have started the season with seven straight wins, can return to the top of the table with at least a point on Saturday at home against Hamburg.

Cologne remained in 16th with five points and have picked up just a single point in their last four matches.

In rainy conditions, Dortmund’s high-octane attack nearly struck after just six minutes but Lucas Barrios sent his header just over the crossbar.

Cologne narrowly missed taking the lead four minutes later when Podolski’s right foot shot from well outside the area blasted off the far upper right corner of the framework.

Barrios came close again in the 16th minute, but the Paraguay international’s header off a free-kick found only the crossbar.

Dortmund finally found the back of the net four minutes later, with a bit of luck. Shinji Kawaga’s cross from the left found Barrios, who headed against the right post but the rebound bounced off Blaszczykowski and over the line.

Cologne goalkeeper Miro Varvodic, making his Bundesliga debut, made a superb stop to deny Kevin Grosskreutz from point-blank range.

And the hosts refused to go down without a fight, with Adam Matuschyk heading over the crossbar after 57 minutes.

Podolski blasted home a loose ball at the edge of the area for the equaliser but Sahin came up with the winner, collecting a pass from Mario Goetze from the right side and having his shot deflect off a Cologne defender and past Varvodic.

Saturday’s bill also includes reigning champions Bayern Munich hosting Hanover, as they seek to close a 13-point deficit to the leaders, while under-performing bottom two Schalke and Stuttgart square off.