Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Hoffenheim: BVB left to lament individual errors yet again
Borussia Dortmund dropped points in the Bundesliga yet again, as they needed an 81st minute equaliser from Erling Haaland to rescue a point at home to TSG Hoffenheim.
Borussia Dortmund came into this game desperately needing a win to keep pace with the top four. The first half was filled with individual defensive mistakes from both sides which led to a open and chaotic game at the Signal Iduna Park. Jadon Sancho and Munas Dabbur scored in the first half to send both sides level at half time.
There was a controversial moment in the build-up to Hoffenheim’s equaliser, as Erling Haaland was clearly fouled on the edge of the box before the away side went to the other end and capitalised on some shambolic defending. VAR did not intervene and the goal was allowed to stand.
Ihlas Bebou then made it 2-1 early on for Hoffenheim after a mistake from Marwin Hitz and Dortmund were left to chase the game again. The mistakes continued to flow from both sides, and Erling Haaland was able to take advantage to equalise for the Black and Yellows.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on but neither were able to capitalise.
Individual mistakes from both teams lead to open first half
Erling Haaland came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute after he went one on one with the goalkeeper, who was able to stretch a leg out to stop the ball from going in the net. Emre Can then played a lovely lofted ball into the box, but the Norwegian striker was unable to get it under control.
Ihlas Bebou then pounced on a mistake from Manuel Akanji but Marwin Hitz did well to save his attempt. The Hoffenheim striker then hit the side netting as Hoffenheim continued to cause problems to the Borussia Dortmund defence.
A minute later, Jadon Sancho went through on goal and was able to put the ball in the back of the net to open the scoring. Munas Dabbur was then able to get onto the end of a pass into the 18-yard box to equalise and make it 1-1.
Tensions rise as both sides take advantage of defensive mistakes
Sebastian Rudy had a shot from the edge of the box after some calamitous defending from Borussia Dortmund yet again, but Mats Hummels blocked the shot. Ihlas Bebou then made it 2-1 after Marwin Hitz punched the ball onto the striker from a corner routine. It was a poor piece of goalkeeper from the Swiss shot stopper. And it certainly won’t have done his confidence a lot of good.
Haaland then had the ball in the back of the net in the 57th minute after the ball ricocheted to him off the post but VAR ruled the goal out it for offside.
Dortmund brought on 16-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko, captain Marco Reus and midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud to add to the attacking threat already on the pitch. They took a while to get going again, but Haaland finally made it 2-2 in the 81st minute after Rudy gave the ball away for Hoffenheim.
Things were getting heated now with both teams looking to find the winner in the final five minutes. Hoffenheim almost scored right at the end at the front post, but the attempt went into the side netting as Borussia Dortmund breathed a sigh of relief.
Next. Borussia Dortmund player ratings from 2-2 draw vs Hoffenheim. dark
Borussia Dortmund next travel away to Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League, where they will need to be on their A game if they want to get a result. Sevilla, who are currently third in La Liga standings, will pose a real threat to Dortmund, who cannot afford to continue their defensive mistakes if they want to progress through to the next round.