The first Bundesliga match of 2026 delivered pure drama, goals, and late chaos, as Borussia Dortmund extended their unbeaten league run to eight games with a sensational 96th-minute equaliser away to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Carney Chukwuemeka was the hero on a wild night at Deutsche Bank Park, rescuing a 3-3 draw that felt more like a win for the visitors.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Dortmund wasted no time in stamping its authority on the contest. After just 10 minutes, Julian Ryerson burst down the right flank and fired in a low cross that Maximilian Beier cleverly poked home at the near post.
It was the perfect start for Die Borussen and a worrying moment for Frankfurt, who had struggled against top-eight sides before the winter break.
Frankfurt Fight Back with Confidence
The hosts responded with composure and intent. Can Uzun and Ansgar Knauff both tested Gregor Kobel before Frankfurt were rewarded with a penalty after Serhou Guirassy fouled Robin Koch in the box.
Uzun kept his cool, sending Kobel the wrong way to level the match with his first goal since September.
Momentum swung again as Dortmund pressed late in the half. Kauã Santos was forced into sharp saves from Julian Brandt and Nico Schlotterbeck, but the visitors went into the break frustrated after Brandt blazed over a golden chance.
Second-Half Chaos and End-to-End Football
Dortmund’s defensive second-half issues resurfaced as Frankfurt pushed forward. Kobel denied Knauff once more, while Younes Ebnoutalib narrowly missed with a header.
Against the run of play, Dortmund struck. A poor clearance from Arthur Theate fell to Felix Nmecha, whose long-range effort deflected heavily off Hugo Larsson and crept into the bottom corner.
But the lead lasted just three minutes. A simple through ball from Arnaud Kalimuendo unlocked the defence, allowing Ebnoutalib to slot home and restore parity.
Late Drama Delivers a Bundesliga Classic
The closing stages were breathless. Schlotterbeck rattled the crossbar from a corner, while Fábio Silva’s acrobatic rebound went wide.
Deep into stoppage time, Frankfurt thought they had won it when former Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud smashed home from a loose ball.
Yet the drama was not done.
In the 96th minute, Marcel Sabitzer floated a hopeful cross into the box. Chukwuemeka controlled brilliantly and guided the ball past Santos, sealing an unforgettable 3-3 draw and sending the travelling Dortmund fans into celebration.
What the Result Means
Dortmund’s unbeaten run continues, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most resilient sides in Germany. Frankfurt, meanwhile, will be left wondering how they failed to close out a match they nearly won twice.
For neutral fans, this was a perfect advertisement for Bundesliga football—fast, fearless, and full of late twists.
Bet on Bundesliga Drama with Bangbet
Crazy matches like this are precisely why Bundesliga action is perfect for football fans in Kenya. On Bangbet, you can bet on Bundesliga matches, explore live betting options, enjoy competitive odds, and access fast M-Pesa payouts.
Whether it’s late goals, goal-scorer markets, or over/under bets, Bangbet keeps you close to the action every matchday.
Bangbet – where football excitement never ends.
