Borussia Dortmund are through to the second round of the DFB-Pokal after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured a 2-0 win over Chemnitzer FC.

Chemnitz, fresh from their 1-1 draw with Hansa Rostock at the weekend, were handed a huge boost ahead of the game. Nils Röseler was deemed fit to start and slotted in for Christian Cappek in midfield. For BVB they came into the tie after securing a 5-0 win over Wolfsberger AC and were keen to keep up that form. Roman Bürki returned in goal for Roman Weidenfeller, while Gonzalo Castro and Sven Bender replaced Shinji Kagawa and Julian Weigl.

There was an early half chance for the hosts after a corner was cleared to Reagy Ofosu, but the winger couldn't control his shot and it flew well over the bar. Dortmund were dominating possession but it was a struggle to force a way through the stubborn Chemnitz defence. Ofosu, however, was having more joy and forced Bürki into the first real save of the game.

Aubameyang makes it third time lucky

Tuchel's side fought back into the game and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang flashed an effort wide of the mark before seeing a second attempt brilliantly blocked by Kevin Conrad. The Gabonese forward was to be denied his goal and found the net at the third time of asking. Henrikh Mkhitaryan floated over a tempting cross and Aubameyang rose highest to power the ball into the far corner and hand BVB the lead.

The chances continued to come and Tim Danneberg wasted a marvelous opportunity when a lucky bounce saw him break behind the visiting defence, but his finish was poor when attempting to curl around Bürki. Mkhitaryan then found time and space of his own to have a shot, only to see it brilliantly saved by Kevin Kunz.

Marco Reus hit the post with an impressive first time effort from the edge of the box and was superbly denied a headed goal, with Kunz producing a phenomenal reaction stop. The Dortmund forward had another attempt on goal but couldn't find the target, lacing it into the home crowd as the half-time whistle sounded.

Dortmund continue to dominate, Mkhitaryan seals the win

The hosts came forward with numbers after the break and Bürki had to be alert to snuff out the danger at Anton Fink's feet. That seemed be be a moment of respite for Chemnitz, who soon found themselves on the back foot. Marc Endres was in the wars once more, making a fantastically brave block from Sven Bender's powerful strike.

Kunz made another good stop as the game was beginning to wear on, managing to halt Ilkay Gündogan's powerful drive. Fink finally managed to find enough space to fire towards goal and produced a finger-tip save from Bürki, who had looked solid throughout the game. Any chances of Chemnitz finding a way back into the game were soon eradicated, with Mkhitaryan scoring his fourth goal in two games - curling home to seal the win.

Chemnitz can now concentrate on their promotion bid after giving a good account of themselves. However, Dortmund's class shone through in the end and they welcome Borussia Mönchengladbach to the Westfalenstadion on Saturday evening.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]