Borussia Dortmund delivered a stunning three-goal burst in five minutes to defeat Wolfsburg 3-1, climbing into the Bundesliga's top six as the year concludes. Without a victory in their previous three league matches, Dortmund showcased moments of brilliant attacking football to sweep Wolfsburg aside on their travels.

Dutch forward Donyell Malen set the tone by converting Ramy Bensebaini’s corner from close range. The visitors doubled their advantage when the talented young German star, Max Beier, latched onto Julian Brandt’s incisive through ball and delivered an exquisite first-time finish with the outside of his right foot.

Just two minutes later, Beier turned provider, sending in a precise low cross that Julian Brandt slotted into the bottom corner, completely unmarked.

Wolfsburg were left reeling, having conceded in the 25th, 28th, and 30th minutes. From that point on, Ralph Hasenhuettl’s side focused on damage control, though they managed to pull one back in the second half via Denis Vavro.

Despite being reduced to 10 men after Pascal Gross received a red card just after the hour mark, Dortmund’s lead never appeared in serious danger. The victory leaves them just two points behind third place.

"In the first half, we played really well, maintained excellent positional play, and attacked with determination," said Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin. "In the second half, we allowed the opponent back into the game unnecessarily, and defending became crucial. Then we received a totally unnecessary red card."

It was also a positive weekend for the Ruhr region as Bochum secured their first Bundesliga victory of the season, defeating relegation rivals Heidenheim 2-0.

Rooted at the bottom of the table, Bochum took an early lead thanks to striker Moritz Broschinski, who expertly volleyed home Ibrahima Sissoko’s pinpoint cross from the right.

Bochum, under the guidance of veteran coach Dieter Hecking, appeared far hungrier than their opponents. Their dominance was rewarded with a second goal before half-time when Matus Bero created space on the edge of the box and rifled a low shot into the net from 15 yards.

Although Heidenheim improved after the interval, the damage had already been done. Bochum, who had lost 11 of their previous 14 games, held firm to secure a valuable three points.

Despite remaining bottom of the table as the Bundesliga heads into the winter break, Bochum have gathered some momentum, taking four points from their last two matches. They are now within two points of Holstein Kiel, who sit 17th.

Meanwhile, Heidenheim are in freefall. After an impressive debut Bundesliga campaign last season, finishing eighth and qualifying for Europe, they have now suffered seven consecutive league defeats and are just two points clear of Kiel.