But it was Ricken, himself a promising young star, who gave Dortmund its first victory of the season. Ricken has several indifferent seasons behind him, but he has played strongly this season.
He converted a penalty in the 25th and secured the victory with another goal in the 73rd, off a good cross from the speedy David Odonkor, who had hit the post earlier.
In Berlin, Hertha needed 70 minutes to wear down Wolfsburg's defense. But then the goals came in rapid succession.
Captain Arne Friedrich picked up a long cross from the left and drove the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
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