The Sunday News
Japan international Shinji Kagawa sparkled on his return to Borussia Dortmund, scoring one goal for the Ruhr Valley club and helping set up another in a 3-1 win over Freiburg on Saturday.
Champions Bayern Munich beat VfB Stuttgart 2-0, with Frenchman Franck Ribery scoring on his season debut as they prepare for their Champions League match against Manchester City next week.
The 25-year-old Kagawa, who had spent two seasons at Manchester United after winning consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 with Dortmund, was welcomed back with roaring applause and he instantly rewarded the fans.
First he set up Kevin Grosskreutz, whose cutback found Adrian Ramos for the lead.
Dubbed the ‘Lost son’ by German media, the attacking midfielder fired in from 12 metres in the 41st minute as hundreds of Japanese flags were unfurled in the stands.
“Shinji played an outstanding game and he had cramps at the end which is a good sign,” coach Juergen Klopp told reporters.
“We know very well that he can play football and also create a special atmosphere,” said Klopp after his player, who failed to hold down a starting spot at United, received a standing ovation at the end of the game. — Reuters
