Mats Hummels brace leads Borussia Dortmund to 4-2 win over SC Freiburg

Mats Hummels proved to be the unlikely hero for Borussia Dortmund as they came from behind to beat 10-man SC Freiburg 4-2.

Another unconvincing display, but this time Borussia Dortmund managed to claim the three points and relieve some pressure on Edin Terzic. Goals from Mats Hummels (x2), Donyell Malen and Marco Reus helped the Black and Yellows turn the tide in the second half as they saw off the challenge of SC Freiburg.

Borussia Dortmund showed that they are still very much a work in progress. But they also displayed some of the resilience and fight that had been so desperately missing in the first three games of the season.

Mats Hummels returned to the starting XI for Borussia Dortmund, replacing Niklas Süle at centre-back. There was also a change at right-back, with Julian Ryerson coming in for Marius Wolf. Niclas Füllkrug was able to shake off his thigh injury and started on the bench.

Borussia Dortmund showed great intent in the early stages of the game, and it was Hummels who  turned that pressure into an early lead. The veteran centre-back got on the end of Julian Brandt’s corner and headed the ball beyond Noah Atubolu’s reach.

Freiburg responded well to Borussia Dortmund’s early goal, and Philipp Lienhart nearly brought them back on level terms in the 30th minute. But his effort from the edge of the box hit the post. Ritsu Doan then had a good chance to score for the home side, but failed to find the target.

Michael Gregoritsch’s injury mid-way through the first-half turned the game on its head as Vincenzo Grifo came on and caused all sorts of problems to the Borussia Dortmund defence with his exemplary crosses. The Italian winger found Lucas Höler for the equaliser in the 47th minute, before setting up Nicolas Höfler with a precise free-kick just four minutes later.

The two stoppage time goals helped the home side take a 2-1 lead into the break, as Borussia Dortmund were made to pay for their lethargic defending.

To make matters worse for BVB, Ramy Bensebaini was forced to come at half-time, with Marius Wolf replacing him. Edin Terzic also decided to bring on Felix Nmecha and Niclas Füllkrug in the 59th minute, with his side facing their first defeat of the season.

And Füllkrug made an instant impact as he set up Donyell Malen for Borussia Dortmund’s equaliser in the 60th minute.

BVB’s hopes of finding a late winner were boosted in the 83rd minute as Nicolas Höfler was sent off for a poor challenge on Marcel Sabitzer. And they took full advantage, with Hummels scrambling the ball into the back of the net after a well-taken free-kick from Marco Reus.

The former Borussia Dortmund captain then made sure of the three points with a composed finish on the counter-attack, giving his side a much-needed win.

The win will come as a massive relief for Edin Terzic, even if the performance once again left a lot to be desired. And it will also give the team a big confidence boost ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League group stage tie against Paris Saint-Germain.