Borussia Dortmund overcome Odd

Not so much odd as totally incredible. It was unusual enough that Norwegian underdogs Odd led Borussia Dortmund 3-0 after just 22 minutes last night; it was even more amazing that the UEFA Europa League play-off first-leg ended 4-3 to BVB.

Jone Samuelsen put Odd in front with a header in the 13th second. "We were not prepared for that what happened at the start," said Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel. "We were not on the pitch physically and mentally."

The chaos in Dortmund's defence was apparent in the early stages. "It was a disaster at the beginning, like a bad joke," said centre-back Mats Hummels. "You can't start a game with such lethargy." Fredrik Nordkvelle and Espen Ruud continued Odd's clinical start, scoring to further increase Dortmund's discombobulation. "I was shocked how easy it was to score against us – we let them put in too many crosses," Tuchel said.

However, Dortmund fought back in style. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied for the guests in the 34th minute and after the break the Bundesliga team started playing a totally different game. Shinji Kagawa, again Aubameyang, and then with five minutes left Henrikh Mkhitaryan found the target to give BVB a lead to take into their home return next Thursday.

"Winning a game after trailing by three goals is something you cannot take for granted," Tuchel said. "The spirit the team showed was extraordinary."

Even then, there could have been many more twists. Dortmund hit the woodwork four times and the coach noted: "In the end we deserved that win and we should have won by more than one goal."

Now, though, Tuchel is confident his team can book a place in next Friday's group stage draw. "No disrespect to our opponents, but we are confident of winning the return leg as well."

Thomas Tuchel's side made a dire start©AFP/Getty Images