Borussia Dortmund may have thrown away a two-goal lead against Werder Bremen on Friday, but CEO Lars Ricken believes the club and players “can also take some confidence” from their start to 2025/26, which has resulted in four straight Bundesliga victories prior to their Matchday 5 draw.

Daniel Svensson (80′) and Nico Schlotterbeck (85′) fired Dortmund into a 2-0 lead but goals from Bremen’s Ludovit Reis (88′) and Niclas Füllkrug (90’+3) earned the Green-Whites a deserved draw.

“After how the game unfolded, it’s pure disappointment,” explained Ricken, in the mixed zone. “We knew it would be a difficult match. Nevertheless, we started well, had a lot of possession, but perhaps lacked a cutting edge in the first half. That improved in the second half.

“We set out to see out games like this, and we essentially did that with the 2-0 lead. Bremen then attacked with the courage of desperation and did a good job of it.

“Ultimately, we have to look ahead; we have many challenges before us. As disappointed as we are, we can also take some confidence from this start to the season.”

BVB travel to Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, before a Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday.