Very cheeky. Borussia Dortmund have executed one of the most innovative free-kick routines you are likely to see, giving them the lead in their Bundesliga clash with Werder Bremen yesterday.
With the game still scoreless in the 19th minute, Dortmund won a free-kick around 10 yards outside their opponent's penalty area. Marco Reus and Raphael Guerreiro deliberated over the set piece, seemingly unsure as to who would deliver the cross.
Guerreiro seemed set to strike the ball, but went on to fake the cross. What happened next was absolutely genius.
Fantastic innovation from the Bundesliga leaders. This was clearly something that had been worked on in training, with the Dortmund attackers anticipating the cross from the Portuguese fullback. The delivery was perfectly placed and Paco Alcacer finished it well.
It was the Spaniard's 12th goal of the season. On loan from Barcelona, he has proven to be one of the shrewdest signings of the summer. Dortmund have already taken up the option to make the move a permanent one, shelling out €23million for his services.
This game also marked the return of Nuri Sahin to the Westfalenstadion, having departed the club during the summer transfer window. The 30-year old Turkey international made over 200 appearances for Dortmund in two separate spells.
He received a warm reception from the home crowd after the game, who have clearly not forgotten the pivotal contributions he made during his time at the club.
The home side would go on to win this game 2-1, their 12th Bundesliga victory of the season. They are also undefeated in the league, and currently lead second place teams Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach by a margin of nine points.
Dortmund seem primed to end the dominance of great rivals Bayern Munich, who have won the last six Bundesliga titles.
