Bundesliga Returns with a Thrilling Encounter

The Bundesliga made its comeback following the winter hiatus in spectacular fashion, featuring a clash between two prominent teams: Eintracht Frankfurt facing off against Borussia Dortmund. Despite several matches on Saturday being canceled due to harsh weather conditions in Germany, this particular showdown was able to go ahead as planned.

High Stakes for Both Teams

Both teams entered this matchup with significant ambitions. Eintracht aimed to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, while Dortmund sought to narrow the nine-point gap behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Lineup Changes for Frankfurt and Dortmund

Eintracht made several adjustments from their last fixture of 2025, where they had drawn with Hamburg. Manager Dino Toppmöller, still without Jonathan Burkardt and Michy Batshuayi, gave a debut to January recruit Younes Ebnoutalib. Dortmund’s Niko Kovač, in turn, altered his lineup by introducing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who managed to pass a late fitness test.

Maximilian Beier Opens the Scoring for Dortmund

The game kicked off with excitement as Borussia Dortmund took the lead just 10 minutes in. Nico Schlotterbeck executed a precise diagonal pass to Julian Ryerson, who delivered a superb cross that Maximilian Beier neatly slotted in at the near post.

Frankfurt quickly sought an equalizer, receiving a fortunate opportunity when Serhou Guirassy fouled Robin Koch in the box. Can Uzun converted the penalty without hesitation.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both Nico Schlotterbeck and Beier missing chances to restore Dortmund’s lead, leaving the teams level at halftime.

An Electric Start to the Second Half

The second half’s intensity was palpable as Frankfurt pushed for dominance straight from the whistle. An early cross from Uzun found Ebnoutalib, but his shot went narrowly wide. Shortly after, Ansgar Knauff tested Kobel with a fierce effort, while Dortmund’s Ryerson set up Marcel Sabitzer in the box, only for his shot to be blocked.

Dortmund Regains the Lead

Dortmund took back the lead in the 67th minute when Felix Nmecha unleashed a strike from 20 yards. A deflection off Hugo Larsson sent the ball into the net, putting the visitors ahead.

Frankfurt responded almost immediately. Arnaud Kalimuendo skillfully evaded his marker and set up Ebnoutalib, who scored brilliantly against Kobel.

The match remained fiercely contested, with both sides pushing for the next goal. Dortmund nearly found the net again when a cross from Daniel Svensson resulted in a chaotic moment in Frankfurt’s defense, but Knauff cleared the ball off the line.

To add to the drama, Dortmund nearly reclaimed the lead in stoppage time; Schlotterbeck’s header from a corner hit the crossbar.

Frankfurt Strikes Late in the Game

The atmosphere exploded with excitement when Frankfurt orchestrated a late goal. An impressive play from Kalimuendo pressured Ryerson into a rushed clearance, which landed at Mahmoud Dahoud’s feet. Dahoud made no error in putting the ball past Kobel.

As the game reached its climax, Dortmund surged forward in search of an equalizer. In a dramatic twist, Sabitzer’s cross found substitute Carney Chukwuemeka, who skillfully controlled and scored, bringing the game to a 3-3 draw.

A Thrilling Opener for the New Year

The Bundesliga’s return in 2026 concluded with both teams settling for a hard-fought point. The match was filled with excitement and could have favored either side, but ultimately both would leave satisfied with the outcome.

Despite the draw, Toppmöller and Frankfurt may feel disappointed for not securing all three points after coming so close, while Dortmund’s tendency to concede late goals continues, blurring their winter break preparations.

Player Ratings for Eintracht Frankfurt 3-3 Borussia Dortmund

Eintracht Frankfurt

• Kauã Santos (5)
• Rasmus Kristensen (6)
• Robin Koch (6)
• Arthur Theate (5)
• Ansgar Knauff (7)
• Hugo Larsson (6)
• Oscar Höjlund (6)
• Nathaniel Brown (6)
• Ritsu Doan (5)
• Can Uzun (6)
• Younes Ebnoutalib (8)

Substitutes: Arnaud Kalimuendo (7), Mario Götze (-), Mahmoud Dahoud (-)

Borussia Dortmund

• Gregor Kobel (6)
• Niklas Süle (5)
• Nico Schlotterbeck (6)
• Waldemar Anton (5)
• Julian Ryerson (6)
• Marcel Sabitzer (6)
• Felix Nmecha (7)
• Daniel Svensson (6)
• Maximilian Beier (7)
• Julian Brandt (6)
• Serhou Guirassy (4)

Substitutes: Fabio Silva (6), Karim Adeyemi (-), Emre Can (-), Carney Chukwuemeka (-)

GGFN Player of the Match

Younes Ebnoutalib (8)

This match marked an outstanding opportunity for many Bundesliga fans to witness Younes Ebnoutalib in action following his transfer from Elversberg. He proved to be a relentless threat to the Dortmund defense, drawing fouls that led to bookings for multiple players and sealing the day with a debut goal in the second half.

An honorable mention goes to Arnaud Kalimuendo, who also made a memorable debut after joining Eintracht earlier in the week.