Borussia Dortmund maintain their lead in the standings on Matchday 7 of the A-Junioren-Bundesliga West. FC Schalke 04 suffered a bitter defeat at 1. FC Köln.

The top three teams in the U19 Bundesliga West were in action on Saturday morning. Leaders Borussia Dortmund received Viktoria Köln at their home football park Hohenbuschei, while FC Schalke 04, in second place, were guests of third-placed 1. FC Köln. While the BVB presented itself confidently, S04 had to accept a bitter defeat.

For BVB, there was no time for rest during the small “autumn break” in the junior Bundesliga. In the DFB Cup, Mike Tullberg’s team had to cope with elimination against FC St. Pauli (1:2). In the Youth League, on the other hand, there was a strong 3:3 against Manchester City after a 2:0 victory over FC Sevilla during the week. So the young Dortmunders have everything in their own hands next week when they travel to FC Copenhagen, and can secure second place in the group with a win.

Rijkhoff moves level with Topp in the goalscoring charts

But first it was time to put the focus back on the Bundesliga. There, they wanted to remain unbeaten leaders against Viktoria Köln. The Cologne team started the season with three wins and three defeats and settled in mid-table. But Marian Wilhelm’s team was no match for BVB.

Julian Rijkhoff (10th) and Hendry Blank (16th) showed early on where things were headed this morning. In the second half, Rijkhoff made his brace perfect. Noa-Gabriel Simic scored the fourth goal shortly before the end for a 4:0 final score. Rijkhoff, meanwhile, not only ensured that BVB took the next three points with his seventh and eighth goals of the season, the Dutchman also drew level with Schalke Topp in the goalscoring charts.

Schalke one misses penalty kick

For Topp was not granted a goal at 1. FC Köln. The Schalke goal scorer even failed from the penalty spot. At first, however, things actually looked good for the Knappen. In the early stages, Norbert Elgert’s team set the tone. The goal, however, came from the opposite side. Elias Bakatukanda rose highest after a corner kick and headed the “Effzeh” into the lead (14th).

After the Schalkers had to shake themselves for a moment, a penalty kick was awarded shortly afterwards (25th). Forzan Oudreaogo went down in the sixteen, Keke Topp stepped up, hit the inside post and from there the ball bounced out of the goal. So it went into half-time with a bitter half-time deficit for Königsblau.

In the second half, both teams created good chances. A strong Luca Podlech saved for Schalke in a duel with Jaka Cuber (61). On the other side, Alessandro Blazic saved twice against Topp (59./71.). And even when the keeper lost the ball, the Schalkers did not manage to equalise. Kelsey Aninkorah-Meisel’s shot was saved before it reached the line (70th). Shortly before the end, S04 had another great chance, but Blazic was also on the spot for the last chance of the game and directed a header against the crossbar (90+1).

Thus, 1. FC Köln passes Schalke 04 and moves up to second place. BVB remains top of the West German league. S04 still have eight match days to make up the three points on 1. FC Köln and move back into second place, which entitles them to participate in the final round.