Kobel wows as Dortmund hold on to defeat Frankfurt
In an enticing matchup at Deutsche Bank Park, Gregor Kobel made some incredible second-half saves to earn Dortmund a narrow victory against Frankfurt in a chaotic Saturday evening affair.
A match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund is usually circled on the calendar for good reason. Despite so many decent goal-scoring chances, Frankfurt couldn't find a second-half equalizer, allowing BVB to steal three points away from home with goals from Julian Brandt and Jude Bellingham.
Frankfurt were trying to exploit Thorgan Hazard, who started at left-back, through Junior Dina Ebimbe surging runs down the right wing in the opening minutes. But then, BVB struck first.
Donyell Malen got around Tuta's aggressive challenge and found Brandt, who had time to control the ball in the box and slide the shot past Kevin Trapp in the 21st minute. However, Frankfurt continued to create decent chances in their search to tie the match.
They deservedly drew the game level through in-form Daichi Kamada moments later with a long-range strike that gave Gregor Kobel no chance in goal. It's also another assist for Randal Kolo Muani, Oliver Glasner's star summer signing who leads the league in that category.
Frankfurt were frustrated not to receive a penalty after Jesper Lindstrøm was pushed just before halftime, as the exciting affair remained 1-1 heading into the second half.
Bellingham earned the lead right back in the 53rd minute with a decent left-footed finish after a deft touch from Youssoufa Moukoko. Kobel made several superb saves following Bellingham's goal to somehow keep Dortmund's slim advantage.
BVB sat back in their own half in order to secure three points for the remaining quarter hour of play, where yellow cards were flying left and right. Although Frankfurt led in xG, Dortmund held on for a huge away win against an in-form side.
5th-place Eintracht have their massive Champions League match against Sporting on Tuesday before returning to league play against Augsburg next weekend. 3rd-place Dortmund play Copenhagen midweek and then face lowly Bochum on Matchday 13.