Hoffenheim took an early lead when Senegalese striker Demba Ba slotted into an empty net after making the most of a low cross from Luiz Gustavo in the ninth minute.

Dortmund had a chance to level the score when they were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes after Hoffenheim's Ghanaian defender Isaac Vorsah handled in the area.

Turkish midfielder Nuri Shahin converted the spot kick but the referee ordered him to retake it. His second attempt was blocked by Hoffenheim keeper Tom Starke.

Dortmund made amends in the third minute of stoppage time through a delightful curling free kick from substitute Antonio da Silva.

"This is a huge relief," Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said after his side avoided their first defeat since August.

"Our performance in the second half was unbelievable."

Dortmund continued to play without injured Egyptian striker Mohamed Zidan, who should return to action next month.

Their defeat allowed Mainz to leapfrog them into the league table's summit after they claimed a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Mainz, who defeated Leverkusen via a goal from Austrian Andreas Ivanschitz, have 24 points from nine games, two ahead of Dortmund.

Hoffenheim goal

Dortmund goal