Niclas Fuellkrug’s hat-trick led Borussia Dortmund to a 3-1 victory against Bochum on Sunday, propelling the home team into the Bundesliga’s top four.
Fuellkrug opened the scoring from the penalty just six minutes in, but Bochum equalized late in the first half courtesy to an own goal by Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
Fuellkrug put Dortmund back ahead midway through the second period before scoring another from the penalty spot in injury time.
Dortmund, who started 2024 six points off the Champions League places, have now leapfrogged RB Leipzig into the top four. Dortmund are just one point behind third-placed Stuttgart.
“In the first half of the season we lost our consistency a little bit, so it’s been good to chalk up some results,” Fuellkrug told DAZN.
“We wanted to keep a clean sheet but unfortunately conceded a goal that we scored ourselves.
“We’re just happy that we can get some self-confidence back with these results.”
Fuellkrug gave Dortmund the best possible start, converting an early penalty after Bochum goalkeeper Manuel Riemann fouled Donyell Malen in the box.
Unconvincing but in control, Dortmund allowed Bochum back into the game, Schlotterbeck scoring a comical own goal to level the scores.
With Borussia Dortmund ‘keeper Alex Meyer waiting to collect a harmless Bochum cross, Schlotterbeck slid to block the ball, directing it into his own net.
“We needed to come out after half-time and drag the game back into our control,” said Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
“Ultimately we deserved to win, but we worked hard for it.”
Teenage striker Youssoufa Moukoko went close to scoring twice but it was Fuellkrug who put Dortmund back in front, heading in a cross after some excellent work from English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Bynoe-Gittens then won a late penalty, which Fuellkrug converted for his third Bundesliga hat-trick.
