Erling Haaland brace helps Borussia Dortmund earn dramatic comeback win over Bayer Leverkusen

Erling Haaland scored a brace as Borussia Dortmund came from behind three times before earning a stunning 4-3 win over Bayer Leverkusen. 

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen played out an instant classic at the BayArena, as Erling Haaland’s brace sealed a stunning comeback win for the Black and Yellows. Bayer Leverkusen took the lead thrice, but Erling Haaland, Julian Brandt and Raphael Guerreiro scored to ensure that Marco Rose got the perfect present for his 45th birthday.

Marco Rose made two changes to the side that beat TSG Hoffenheim two weeks ago. Marin Pongracic came into the team for the injured Gio Reyna, with Axel Witsel returning to his favoured defensive midfield role. While Julian Brandt replaced Donyell Malen, leading to a slight change in system.

Bayer Leverkusen came out of the blocks quickly and opened the scoring through Florian Wirtz, who took advantage of some passive Borussia Dortmund defending to place the ball past Gregor Kobel.

Borussia Dortmund were second best for the majority of the first half. But they got their equaliser in the 37th minute through Erling Haaland, who headed Thomas Meunier’s cross into the back of the net.

Haaland then set up Jude Bellingham, who thought he had given Borussia Dortmund the lead just two minutes later. But the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Mahmoud Dahoud in the build up.

The home side took full advantage of their reprieve, with Patrik Schick making it 2-1 in the first half stoppage time. A giveaway by Julian Brandt led to a Leverkusen counter-attack, which was clinically finished by the Czech Republic striker.

Borussia Dortmund made an electric start to the second half, and it was Julian Brandt who made it 2-2 against his former club. The midfielder got past Jonathan Tah with a couple of magical touches, before smashing the ball into the net from a tight angle.

But Bayer Leverkusen responded brilliantly once again, and Moussa Diaby restored their advantage after Borussia Dortmund failed to clear their lines from a corner.

But the scoring wasn’t even close to being done yet. Borussia Dortmund found their way back into the game in the 71st minute when Raphael Guerreiro beat Lukas Hradecky with a stunning free-kick after Jude Bellingham was fouled just outside the box.

Borussia Dortmund were then awarded a penalty after Odilon Kossounou raised an arm to the face of Marco Reus inside the box. Erling Haaland stepped up and confidently placed the spot-kick into the bottom corner to make it 3-4 and give BVB their first lead of the game. And they held on to take three priceless points away from the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.

The game showed that Borussia Dortmund still have plenty of work to do if they are to compete for the Bundesliga title this season. But it also showed their fighting spirit and never give up attitude. And that is something that could prove to be quite valuable in the title race. Next up for Marco Rose’s side is a trip to Turkey to take on Besiktas in the Champions League.