Malen hits late Dortmund winner against Sturm Graz

Donyell Malen hit a late winner as Borussia Dortmund squeezed past Sturm Graz on Tuesday.

The German side came into the match as the Champions League’s top scorers this season, but they could not find a way past visiting goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen with their first 18 shots.

The 6ft 8in Dutchman, who is on loan from Brighton, made a string of fine saves in the first half, frustrating Marcel Sabitzer, Max Beier and Serhou Guirassy in quick succession.

Beier looked certain to score a goal of the season contender after dribbling past several defenders from inside his own half, but Sturm captain Otar Kiteishvili produced a heroic goalline clearance.

Forward Jamie Gittens had scored three goals in Dortmund’s opening three European games this term, but the Englishman was kept quiet by resilient defence from the Austrian champions.

Dortmund were missing several regular starters through injury and, as the second half went on, they tired and allowed the visitors to gain a foothold in the game.

Sturm, who won the Austrian Bundesliga last season, grew in confidence and came close to taking the lead when Mika Biereth headed narrowly over.

Just as they looked set to leave the Westfalenstadion with a point, Dutch substitute Malen fired home five minutes from time in front of the Yellow Wall with his side’s 19th attempt.

Victory moved Dortmund up to fourth in the table on nine points after four games, while Sturm Graz still wait for their first point.