Berlin: Borussia Dortmund held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to edge Eintracht Frankfurt 4-2 and storm into the DFB Cup last-16 on Tuesday after a tight 1-1 draw in regulation time. The Dortmund Frankfurt DFB Cup clash was filled with intense moments.
Frankfurt stunned their visitors early when Ansgar Knauff, once a Dortmund winger, slotted home from Mario Götze’s brilliant through ball in the 7th minute. The hosts looked sharp, while Dortmund struggled to settle despite dominating possession. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel kept them in the contest, pulling off key saves against Fares Chaibi and Ritsu Doan. The encounter was crucial for the Dortmund Frankfurt Cup clash hopes.
The visitors roared back after halftime. Julian Ryerson’s pinpoint cross found Julian Brandt at the far post, who calmly leveled it in the 48th minute. Frankfurt nearly reclaimed the lead through Doan’s thunderous effort off the crossbar, while substitute Can Uzun tested Kobel again late on.
With neither side breaking the deadlock, the clash went to penalties and Dortmund kept their cool. Brandt, Beier, Sabitzer, and Ryerson all converted, while Kobel’s heroics denied Chaibi to seal the 4-2 victory. The successful penalty shots ensured Dortmund Frankfurt DFB Cup advancement.
Coach Kovac hailed the grit: “Frankfurt made it tough for us, but in the end, luck and composure saw us through.”
Elsewhere, Leipzig, Hamburg, and Hertha Berlin also booked their spots in the next round, keeping the DFB Cup drama alive. Ultimately, the Dortmund Frankfurt DFB Cup battle was an unforgettable part of this tournament’s story.
–IANS
