Dortmund fans set off flares as 81,365 return to Westfalenstadion for first time in two years.. but they’re thrashed 4-1

BORUSSIA DORTMUND set off flares as 81,365 returned to the Westfalenstadion for first time in two years.

Amid coronavirus restrictions, Dortmund have been forced to play in front of a limited crowd and even behind-closed-doors at points.

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Borussia Dortmund set off flares as 81,365 returned to the Westfalenstadion for first time in two years[/caption]

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Konrad Laimer celebrates opening the scoring in Leipzig’s thrashing[/caption]

But they were packed to the rafters in their first full game back which came against RB Leipzig.

Flares and flags filled up the home stands but it did not stop Dortmund from losing ground on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer scored twice and set up a third goal for a stunning 4-1 victory at second-placed Dortmund.

The result left them nine points behind leaders Bayern, 4-1 winners at Freiburg, with six games remaining.

Leipzig, who tightened their hold on fourth place on 48 points, struck against the run of play when Laimer chipped the ball over keeper Gregor Kobel in the 21st minute.

What was to be a big football party for the hosts, with top striker Erling Haaland in the starting line-up, turned into a nightmare when Austria international Laimer added a second with a deflected shot 10 minutes later.

Frustrated Dortmund, who had a couple of golden chances early in the first half, could not find a response.

Christopher Nkunku went on to be set up by a Laimer backheel to complete a superb Leipzig attack to make it 3-0.

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Substitute Donyell Malen managed to briefly cut the deficit in the 84th with a header at the far post.

But Leipzig responded two minutes later with Dani Olmo’s well-placed shot from outside the box to seal an emphatic victory.

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Erling Haaland looks on as Borussia Dortmund suffer defeat[/caption]