Schulz put through his own net after 11 minutes to give Adi Hütter’s side the perfect start at Signal Iduna Park, but Hummels equalised from close range on the stroke of half-time. Stefan Ilsanker had a close-range header disallowed for offside, but Silva’s 22nd Bundesliga goal of the season sent the Eagles seven points clear of fifth-placed BVB in the race for the UEFA Champions League.
Tuta, Younes and Durm return
There were three alterations to the Eintracht team that beat Union Berlin 5-2 in their last match before the international break. Tuta replaced the suspended Makoto Hasebe in defence, while Amin Younes was preferred to Daichi Kamada in attacking midfield. Fit-again Erik Durm also returned to the starting XI, replacing Aymen Barkok on the right wing.
Eintracht pegged back
Dortmund were quick to set up camp in the Eintracht half, but the Eagles looked lively on the break in the early stages and took the lead when Schulz inadvertently headed Filip Kostic’s left-wing cross over Marvin Hitz and into his own net. Silva went close moments later from a similar position, but Hitz was equal to the Portugal striker’s header.
Erling Haaland twice threatened to equalise for the hosts, dragging a shot wide of the far post before being denied by the onrushing Kevin Trapp, but other than that there was little to trouble the Eintracht custodian until the final minute of the half, when Hummels bundled home Emre Can’s knock-down to draw BVB level.
Silva the hero
Younes was forced off with a knock at half-time, with Kamada coming on as the 27-year-old’s replacement. Eintracht made the stronger start to the second period, though, and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Durm went down under the challenge of Hummels, but referee Manuel Gräfe waved play on.
Kostic sent a low drive inches wide of the far post as Eintracht continued to threaten, before Ilsanker’s thumping header was correctly disallowed for offside against the midfielder. With time running out, Kostic raced clear down the left-hand side before lifting a superb ball into the penalty area for Silva, who sent a towering header into the net to send the Eintracht players and staff into raptures.
Summary: Eintracht on course
What a crucial win this could prove to be for Eintracht, who are now firmly in the driving seat in the race for a top-four spot. It looked like the Eagles would have to settle for a point at Signal Iduna Park, but Silva once again came up with the goods to earn his side a priceless victory.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Tuta, Ilsanker, Ndicka – Durm (Chandler 74’), Sow, Rode, Kostic – Younes (Kamada 46’) – Jovic, Silva (Zuber 89’)
Goals
0-1 Schulz (11’ og)
1-1 Hummels (45’)
1-2 Silva (87’)
