After a superb second half the Eagles could have even grabbed all three points; but Dortmund also remained a threat on the break hence the 2-2 draw is a deserved result after all. Eintracht are now unbeaten in three successive matches picking up seven point from these.
Build-Up
SGE went into the sell-out home match against Bundesliga leaders BVB with confidence after two last-minute wins against each Hannover and Stuttgart. Dortmund had suffered their first defeat last matchday (3-2 at home v Leipzig) and a Europa League blow in the week (1-1 v Apoel Nicosia) hence they were looking to turn the tides in Frankfurt.
Line-Up
Eintracht manager Niko Kovac made one change compared to last week's win against Hannover: Jetro Willems returned to the left back position instead of Taleb Tawatha ein. And as in Hannover the Eagles played in a 3-6-1 formation, changing to a 5-4-1 once Dortmund were in possession.
First Half
The 51,500 in the sold out Commerzbank Arena saw a tense first half of two teams focusing on the attack. Ante Rebic had a goal called offside (17') and with their first opportunity of the match BVB took the lead. Bartra's attempt from the edge of the box turned into a pass and found Sahin inside the box who scored from around seven meters (19'). Eintracht improved their game then and had plenty of good chances: Marius Wolf and Ante Rebic were free on goal (31', 33'), also Haller was amongst those who could have scored (34'). Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed for Dortmund with a shot from a decent position (42'). After 37 minutes Timothy Chandler had to be replaced by Carlos Salcedo; Chandler had twisted his knee and needs to undergo further examinations.
Second Half
The Eagles went into the second half with plenty of motivation and attitude and they came pushing forward. Still it was Dortmund who had the first chances on the break; after Pulisic (48') and Aubameyang (51', 53') missed theirs it was Philipp who topped up Dortmund's lead with a neat shot into the bottom right corner of Hradecky's goal (57'). But Eintracht did not tire to come forward and came back to level the score within four minutes. BVB goalkeeper Bürki brought down Rebic in the box and Haller converted from the spot into the top right corner - it was his fourth goal of the season (64'). And shortly after that Gacinovic set up Wolf who got the well-deserved equalizer with a clinical finish and his first Bundesliga goal (68'). The match remained a thriller with chances at either end; Gacinovic (71') and Hrgota (78') did not get past Bürki. Dortmund's Sancho was denied by Hradecky and Sahin by Hasebe who saved the draw with a goal line clearance.
Wrap-Up
After a lively and entertaining box-to-box match with plenty of scoring opportunities Eintracht and Dortmund settled with a deserved 2-2 draw. Both teams were in the attack right from the start and put a partly spectacular encounter on display. The Eagles' performance peaked in the second half especially and they even went for the win. They remain in spot seven on 14 points.
Starting 11 & Subs
Hradecky - Russ (58' Hrgota), Hasebe, Abraham - Chandler (37' Salcedo), Boateng, Gacinovic, Willems - Wolf (76' Tawatha), Rebic - Haller.
Goals
0-1 Sahin (19')
0-2 Philipp (57')
1-2 Haller (PEN 64')
2-2 Wolf (68')
