体坛英语新闻：Dortmund, Schalke drop points in German Bundesliga

BERLIN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Dusseldorf owing to the late leveller by Stefan Reisinger whereas Schalke lost 3-1 at Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Tuesday.

League leaders Bayern Munich are able to increase their gap Wednesday, as chasers Dortmund and Schalke dropped points at the title race.

From kickoff, Dortmund took over control as newly promoted Dusseldorf defended deep, with nine men in their half, to give the hosts a tough time. As the match progressed, Dortmund were able to establish their offensive actions, yet unable to overcome Dusseldorf's bulwark.

Things changed at the 43rd minute as Jakub Blaszczykowski secured the opener with a volley into the top right corner following a one two with Kevin Grokreutz inside the penalty area.

With the restart, Dortmund decided to take the foot of the accelerator whereas Dusseldorf little by little approached the hosts goal.

Dortmund's neat lead wobbled when Marcel Schmelzer cleared Stefan Reisingers effort from the goal line in the 58th minute.

Unsurprinsgly Dusseldorf punished Dortmund's laxity at the 78th minute when Reisinger utilized Robbie Kruse's cross at the second post to level the score.

Dusseldorf had to finish the match with ten men as Iva Paurevic was sent off for his second bookable offense three minutes before final whistle.

However, Dortmund were unable to score the decider with 12 minutes left. Thus Dortmund failed to put the pressure on league leaders Bayern, who will face Freiburg.

Also Schalke dropped points at the title race as they lost 3-1 to Hamburg.

After a goalless but fast paced first half, Hamburg were able to break the deadlock at the 52nd minute. Hamburg's Maximilian Beister gave his side the lead when he hammered home from 20 meters inside left.

Hamburg were not done with the scoring as Artjoms Rudnevs had all time and space to double the lead near the penalty spot, following a cross by Dennis Diekmeier at the 65th minute.

The 2-0 deficit was a wakening call for the "Royal Blues" that initiated a run on Hamburg's goal.

At the 80th minute, referee Manuel Graefe awarded Schalke a penalty following a handball by Tomas Rincon. Klaas Jan Huntelaar missed the spot kick but he was lucky enough to score with the rebound from very close range.

Schalke frenetically pressed for the equalizer, but then, they were caught on a counter so that Tranquillo Barnetta had no choice but to foul Dennis Aogo inside the box to ensure a penalty for Hamburg.

Milan Badelj stepped up and converted the penalty to secure the 3-1 win over Schalke.

Elsewhere, Hannover defeated newly promoted Greuther Fuerth while Mainz upset stunner Frankfurt 3-1.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday: Monchengladbach see Wolfsburg, Stuttgart meet Augsburg, Bremen face Leverkusen, Freiburg encounter Bayern and Nuremberg host Hoffenheim.