A Mats Hummels header has given Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 lead at half time against Hertha Berlin.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the opening 45 minutes, with neither side able to dominate possession.
The first chance of the match fell to the visitors as Genki Haraguchi was played through behind the Dortmund defence, but Hummels rushed back to clear the danger.
Hertha wasted another chance to take a shock lead soon after, as Vladimir Darida struck a half-volley straight at Dortmund keeper Roman Burki.
The hosts did not wait long to make the Berliners pay for their profligacy, and on 27 minutes, captain Hummels met an inviting cross from Shinji Kagawa after a short corner to give Thomas Tuchel's side the lead.
Dortmund maintained control of possession before the break, and the side could have doubled their lead when Matthias Ginter headed over the bar from a Marco Reus free kick.
Stephen Topping
