Dortmund explode into action as Bundesliga restarts with no fans

AFP

Borussia Dortmund crushed rivals Schalke 4-0 after the German football league returned to action amid the global coronavirus crisis.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring, while Raphael Guerreiro added two more goals. Thorgen Hazard also got on the scoresheet as Dortmund climbed within a point of leaders Bayern Munich, who play on Sunday.

The celebrations on the field, however, were muted as the game was played in an eerily, empty stadium.

Substitutes were socially distanced and wearing masks on their respective benches, while players didn't shake hands or celebrate goals like they traditionally do.

"I'd have preferred if the conditions were normal," Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt said. "We all have to adapt and try to have fun under the circumstances. We did that pretty well today and what better way to restart the league than with a win."

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