FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - In a spectacular match, Borussia Dortmund salvaged a point in the dying moments, but risks falling further behind Bayern Munich in the long-distance title race. Coach Niko Kovac's BVB could only manage a turbulent 3-3 (1-1) draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in the opening fixture of the new Bundesliga year, and could trail the record champions from Munich by as many as eleven points after Sunday. However, their hold on second place remains intact.

The goals in this Champions League clash were scored first by Maximilian Beier (10th minute) and Felix Nmecha (68th), as well as rising star Can Uzun (22nd, penalty) and new signing Younes Ebnoutalib (71st) for the hosts. In stoppage time, former Dortmund player Mahmoud Dahoud (90'+2) and Carney Chukwuemeka (90'+6) also found the net.

In a frenetic encounter, the 59,500 spectators witnessed plenty of goalmouth action and two offensively-minded sides. For coach Dino Toppmöller's hosts, the well-earned draw to begin the remaining 19 matchdays is a partial success. Frankfurt currently sits seventh, but missed the chance to temporarily climb into a Europa League spot.

Kobel and Kaua Santos in Action

The persistent rain in Frankfurt proved a blessing during a weekend of wild weather. Just hours before kickoff, the Werder Bremen vs. TSG Hoffenheim and FC St. Pauli vs. RB Leipzig matches were postponed due to adverse conditions with snow and high winds.

In the 2024 European Championship stadium, however, play proceeded as scheduled—and both starting goalkeepers featured. Frankfurt's Kaua Santos, after some mistakes in the autumn, reclaimed his place from former Bremen keeper Michael Zetterer just in time for the new year. For BVB, Gregor Kobel was able to start despite leaving the Marbella training camp with a minor cold and back problems.

Ryerson Sets Up Beier for Early Lead

But by the time Kobel was first called into action, Dortmund's attack had already delivered. After a strong run down the flank by Julian Ryerson, national team player Beier finished clinically in the center for an early 1-0 lead—both the provider and scorer were left unmarked by the Eintracht defense and punished them ruthlessly.

Yet the hosts, in the sold-out stadium that, according to Friday's announcement, will continue to be called Deutsche Bank Park until at least 2035, were not rattled. Instead, Toppmöller's team pressed forward, often driven by midfield dynamo Uzun. The youngster's low shot shortly after conceding was dealt with comfortably by Kobel (17th minute).

Guirassy Commits Blunder in the Box

The hosts then needed a major Dortmund error to equalize: striker Serhou Guirassy struck Frankfurt's Robin Koch after a throw-in, conceding a penalty. "Of course he has to look around. He catches him, clear penalty," admitted BVB assistant Robert Kovac at halftime on Sky. Uzun sent Kobel the wrong way and calmly slotted home the equalizer.

New arrival Ebnoutalib, signed from Elversberg and playing in the fourth tier just a year ago, made a lively impression. The 22-year-old Frankfurt native had early chances, but initially failed to beat Kobel with a tame volley and later headed wide at the far post. Ansgar Knauff also could not get past the impressive Kobel.

New Signings Inspire Eintracht

Things got truly chaotic after the hour mark. First, midfield engine Nmecha put BVB ahead. His shot from just outside the box took an unfortunate deflection off Hugo Larsson and rebounded in off the inside of the post.

But just as after Beier's goal, Eintracht refused to give up and were rewarded for their efforts. After a precise pass from new arrival Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ebnoutalib finished coolly for another equalizer. The abandoned Kobel had no chance—and then, substitute and former Dortmund man Dahoud struck, but even that was not enough, as there was yet another twist in the tale./pre/DP/men