BERLIN, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 50th Bundesliga kicked off as defending champion Borussia Dortmund defeated Werder Bremen 2-1 owing to the winner by substitute Mario Goetze, at the out-sold Signal Iduna Park on Friday evening.
Double winner Borussia Dortmund started with a 2-1 win into the season 2012/2013 as Werder Bremen was unable to fight back after the late decider by Goetze.
The Green Whites took over from kick off against Dortmund that needed some time to find their rhythm. Against the run of the game Dortmund opened the scoring at the 11th minute as they capitalized on a black out by Bremen's defence.
Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus utilized a pass into path by Jakub Blaszczykowski to beat Bremen goalie Sebastian Mielitz into the far corner.
Dutch international Eljero Elia rattled the right post with a hammer from 20 meters to ensure the first chance for Bremen, but nevertheless Dortmund started a run on Bremen's goal, as they remained dazed by the early deficit.
After the break Bremen had set the pace against the "Borussians" that retracted on their neat 1-0 lead, although they remained dangerous on fast breaks.
At the 75th minute Bremen exploited Dortmund's lack in concentration as they underestimated a long cross to striker Marko Arnautovic who chipped the ball into the penalty area to new arrival defender Gebre Selassie, who nodded home the equalizer into the far corner.
Nonetheless, it was a short-lived joy for Werder Bremen as Dortmund youngster Mario Goetze, who came off the bench three minutes earlier, slotted home the winner at the 81st minute to seal the victory.
"It was a though job today against Bremen, but I think we deserved the win at the end," Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said.