### Borussia Dortmund Overcomes Hertha BSC with Goals from Brandt and Malen

In a thrilling match that saw Borussia Dortmund secure their place in the top three of the Bundesliga table, they defeated Hertha BSC 2-1 on Saturday evening at the Allianz Arena. The victory was secured through goals from forward Thomas Brandt and midfielder Julian Malen, marking significant momentum for the club as they look to build on their recent form.

#### Match Highlights

The first half began with both teams trading chances, but neither could find the back of the net. However, it wasn't long before Dortmund broke the deadlock. In the 45th minute, Brandt delivered a beautifully placed cross into the box, and Malen capitalized, scoring his first goal since returning from injury. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the game.

In the second half, Hertha BSC tried to come back, but Dortmund's defense remained solid. Despite several attempts to score, they maintained their lead until the final whistle. The performance was commendable, especially considering the challenges faced by the team following their last defeat.

#### Impact on the Bundesliga Table

With this win, Borussia Dortmund moved up to third place in the Bundesliga standings, surpassing Schalke 04 who had previously held this position. The result also lifts Dortmund's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season, as they now have five points to work with in their remaining matches.

#### Player Performance

Thomas Brandt's goal was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and convert them into goals. His performance throughout the match was impressive, and he will undoubtedly be a key player for Dortmund in future matches.

Julian Malen's return to action after recovering from injury was equally important. His goal came at a crucial moment, helping Dortmund maintain their lead and securing their spot in the top three.

#### Next Steps

As Dortmund looks ahead to their upcoming fixtures, including games against Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, they will need to continue building on their momentum. Both Brandt and Malen are expected to play a pivotal role in these matches, as well as other key players like Mats Hummels and Marco Reus.

Overall, Borussia Dortmund's win over Hertha BSC is a testament to their resilience and hard work. With each victory, they move closer to achieving their goals and cementing their position in the Bundesliga.