Did Dortmund Secure a Thrilling DFB Cup Win Over Frankfurt?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dortmund advanced to the DFB Cup round of 16.
- Eintracht Frankfurt scored first but could not maintain their lead.
- The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to penalties.
- Dortmund won the shootout 4-2.
- This victory keeps Dortmund's unbeaten run alive.
Berlin, Oct 29 (NationPress) Borussia Dortmund progressed to the DFB Cup round of 16 after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, finishing regulation time at 1-1.
Frankfurt struck first in the seventh minute with a goal from former Dortmund winger Ansgar Knauff, who capitalized on a through ball from Mario Gotze.
The early goal threw the visitors off balance, as they struggled to find their rhythm, despite enjoying greater possession. Gregor Kobel made crucial saves, denying Fares Chaibi and Ritsu Doan from long range before halftime, according to reports from Xinhua.
Post-break, Dortmund increased their intensity and equalized just three minutes into the second half. A low cross from Julian Ryerson found Julian Brandt at the far post, who scored the equalizer. Frankfurt almost regained the lead when Doan struck the crossbar from 20 meters, and late on, substitute Can Uzun forced another save from Kobel.
The tie went to penalties, where Dortmund's shooters — Brandt, Beier, Sabitzer, and Ryerson — all converted their attempts. However, Doan's shot went over the bar, and Kobel saved Chaibi's attempt, sealing a 4-2 win in the shootout.
This victory propels Dortmund into the last 16 and maintains their unbeaten streak across all competitions. Frankfurt, who displayed solid defensive discipline, will host Heidenheim in the Bundesliga next weekend, while Dortmund travels to Augsburg on Friday.
"The match had to be resolved through penalties as both teams fought hard. Frankfurt made it challenging for us, but a bit of luck was on our side in the end. What matters is that we are through," stated Kovac.
In other second-round action, Hamburg defeated 10-man Heidenheim 1-0 thanks to Tim Siersleben's goal, while Hertha Berlin triumphed over SV Elversberg with a 3-0 victory. Holstein Kiel edged past Wolfsburg 1-0, and Christoph Baumgartner's two goals helped Leipzig secure a 4-1 win against Energie Cottbus.
Borussia Monchengladbach defeated Karlsruher SC 3-1, VfL Bochum clinched a 1-0 win at Augsburg, and St. Pauli leveled in stoppage time of extra time before triumphing 8-7 on penalties against Hoffenheim (2-2).