Jude Bellingham nets winner as Borussia Dortmund edge past Eintracht Frankfurt
By Tushar Bahl
Jude Bellingham’s second half goal proved to be the winner as Borussia Dortmund earned a battling 2-1 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Borussia Dortmund were far from their best but managed to get the all important three points away to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening. Julian Brandt and Jude Bellingham were on target for the Black and Yellows, but they also had Gregor Kobel to thank after the Swiss shot-stopper made a number of crucial saves in the second half to keep the home side at bay.
Borussia Dortmund looked second best for much of the game, with Eintracht Frankfurt coming close on a number of occasions. But they were able to see out the win in the end to move up to third place in the Bundesliga standings.
Edin Terzic made two changes to the team that held Manchester City to a goalless draw on Tuesday, with Salih Özcan and Donyell Malen coming into the team for Emre Can and Gio Reyna respectively. Youssoufa Moukoko started up front once again.
The game got off to a very lively start, with both teams looking to create chances and make things happen. Despite Eintracht Frankfurt’s early pressure, it was Borussia Dortmund who struck the first blow. Donyell Malen got on the end of a diagonal pass and raced past Tuta before finding Julian Brandt with a well placed cross.
The German international took his time and fired his shot home through Kevin Trapp’s legs to give Borussia Dortmund the lead.
The lead only lasted for five minutes though, as Daichi Kamada continued his excellent run of form and made it 1-1 with a thunderous low finish from the edge of the box.
Eintracht Frankfurt had the better chances in the closing stages of the first half, with Mario Götze causing his former club all sorts of problems. Randal Kolo Muani struck the post with a lovely dinked effort in the 42nd minute, as the two sides went into the break with nothing to separate them.
The Eagles were the better team for much of the second half. But Borussia Dortmund restored their lead in the 52nd minute with Jude Bellingham finishing past Trapp after getting on the end of a lovely little flick from Youssoufa Moukoko.
Eintracht Frankfurt pushed hard for an equaliser. But they were denied by Gregor Kobel time and time again. And when Götze finally managed to beat the Swiss international, Nico Schlotterbeck made a vital goal-line clearance to keep his side’s lead intact.
dark. Next. Player ratings from Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt
Borussia Dortmund were able to see out the hard fought win in the end despite struggling to take control of the game for much of the evening. The result will certainly come as a massive boost for Edin Terzic’s side, who ended their run of three away defeats in a row in the Bundesliga.