### Borussia Dortmund Defeats Hertha BSC with Clean Sheet, Malen and Brandt Score

In a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Arena in Berlin, Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious over Hertha BSC with a commanding 4-1 victory on Sunday afternoon. The match showcased a clean sheet for Dortmund, while both teams produced impressive performances throughout.

#### Key Highlights:

1. **Clean Sheet**: Dortmund maintained their defensive integrity, allowing no goals to be scored from either side. This was crucial as it set the tone for the match.

2. **Malen's Goal**: In the 7th minute, midfielder Julian Malen struck first for Dortmund. His shot from the edge of the box deflected off the goalkeeper and found its way into the net, giving Dortmund an early lead.

3. **Brandt's Second Goal**: In the 25th minute, forward Thomas Müller (now known as Thomas Brandt) added another goal for Dortmund. He latched onto a cross from left-back Timo Werner and slotted home for his second goal of the season.

4. **Hertha's Goals**: Despite struggling to create chances, Hertha BSC managed to find two goals through the final minutes of the game. First, striker Christian Pulisic scored in the 89th minute, and then substitute Marco Reus added a consolation goal in the 92nd minute.

5. **Final Score**: Borussia Dortmund triumphed 4-1, securing their third consecutive Bundesliga win and extending their lead at the top of the table.

#### Player Performances:

- **Julian Malen**: Malen continued his prolific form, scoring twice for Dortmund. His clinical finishing skills were evident throughout the match.

- **Thomas Brandt**: As mentioned earlier, Brandt contributed significantly with his two goals. His ability to finish well from distance and close range made him a key player for Dortmund.

- **Christian Pulisic**: While not as dominant as Malen or Brandt, Pulisic showed promise with his efforts, particularly his late equalizer that secured a point for Hertha.

- **Timo Werner**: Although not directly involved in the scoring, Werner provided excellent support for Malen and Brandt. His crosses and runs were instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates.

#### Match Analysis:

The match highlighted the strengths of both teams but also underscored the importance of individual performance. Dortmund’s defense held firm, while Hertha struggled to break down the strong midfield presence of Malen and Brandt. The result solidifies Dortmund’s position as one of the best teams in Germany and sets up a challenging league race ahead.

#### Next Steps:

Dortmund will look to maintain their momentum and continue their dominance in the Bundesliga. With Pulisic’s late equalizer, Hertha shows resilience and could pose a threat to Dortmund’s title defense. Both teams must be prepared to play high-quality football if they hope to retain their positions in the top flight.

This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed overview of the Borussia Dortmund vs. Hertha BSC match, covering key moments, player performances, and overall team dynamics.