Felix Nmecha scored twice and Fabio Silva grabbed another as Borussia Dortmund won 3-0 at home to promoted Paderborn to continue their perfect start in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Dortmund’s win made it three from three in the league this campaign, their best start in 11 seasons dating back to Thomas Tuchel’s time in the dugout.
Starting up front alongside strike partner Serhou Guirassy for the first time this season, Silva converted a clever pass from the Guinean to give the hosts the lead after five minutes.
Guirassy had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half alone but were rarely troubled by the toothless visitors, who are yet to score since returning to the top flight this season.
Substitute Nmecha came off the bench to score a brace, wrapping up victory for the hosts with a stunning late bicycle kick.
Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck made a surprise for his first match since picking up an ankle injury at the World Cup and told Sky Germany he kept his comeback under wraps.
“We just hadn’t communicated that much yet because I didn’t want to,” Schlotterbeck said, adding “I missed it terribly. It was a serious injury but I’m glad to be back now.”
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac also revealed that winger Konstantinos Karetsas, who was stretchered off the pitch with a cardiovascular issue in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Villarreal, had returned to training.
“Fortunately, nothing unusual was found. If things keep going well, he could be back against Stuttgart (next Saturday),” Kovac told reporters.
