Dortmund held by Stuttgart

Robert Lewandowski rues a missed chance

Borussia Dortmund were held to a draw for the second time in succession by Stuttgart, only this time there were no goals at the Westfalenstadion.

The last meeting of these two teams towards the end of last season went down in history as one of the most dramatic games on record with eight goals shared, but there was not to be a repeat today.

Robert Lewandowski hit the woodwork for Dortmund and Stuttgart goalkeeper Sven Ulreich made a string of saves, but there were also chances for the visitors in an entertaining goalless draw.

An early shot from Stuttgart showed that Bruno Labbadia's side were not going to hide this time either.

Dortmund then had the better chances. Mats Hummels set up Marcel Schmelzer with the Dortmund full-back taking the ball down on his chest and then shooting wide of the post.

Hummels then went close to scoring himself from a corner. His first header was kept out by a fine reflex save from Ulreich, who gave the Dortmund defender another bite of the cherry, but this time Arthur Boka was on the line to clear.

Dortmund lost their captain Sebastian Kehl to a facial injury after a clash with Raphael Holzhauser, which was fiercely condemned by coach Jurgen Klopp.

At the other end, Stuttgart's best chance came at the end of the first half when Ibrahim Traore's low cross was parried out by Weidenfeller to the feet of Vedad Ibisevic, who could not react quickly enough and guided the ball wide.

Julian Stieber came on for Kevin Grosskreutz for the second half and the former Stuttgart striker almost scored immediately, but he was denied by Ulreich after being put through by Marco Reus.

Ibisevic then caught the Dortmund defence napping, but Weidenfeller was alert to deny the Bosnian as Stuttgart started to probe with counter-attacks.

Lewandowski hit the crossbar with Ulreich beaten, but there was no way through for Klopp's side, who trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by eight points.

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