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  5. Bundesliga: Batshuayi scores late to help Borussia Dortmund defeat Frankfurt 3-2 in thriller

Bundesliga: Batshuayi scores late to help Borussia Dortmund defeat Frankfurt 3-2 in thriller

Frankfurt, which had twice come from behind to pull level, is two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, which occupies the last Champions League qualification spot.

Edited by: India TV Sports Desk New Delhi Published on: March 12, 2018 10:13 IST
Dortmund players celebrate after scoring against Frankfurt
Image Source : AP Dortmund players celebrate after scoring against Frankfurt

Michy Batshuayi scored deep in injury time for Borussia Dortmund to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 and return to third place in the Bundesliga on Sunday. The 'Batsman' did it once again for the German club he is on loan in and this is not the first time that the Belgian forward has rescued his teammates from a disaster. Frankfurt scored a goal to level the scenario in the 90th minute which seemed like the match would share a point each. However, straight on the counter-attack, Batshuayi did not hesitate to have a crack and collect all three points for the hosts.

The visitors were expecting a share of the points after Danny Blum's injury-time equalizer, but there was still time for Batshuayi - who was dropped from the starting lineup - to score his second goal of the game.

"When you get the equalizer in injury time, you shouldn't then concede the winner in injury time," said Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac, whose side dropped three points behind Dortmund with eight games remaining.

Frankfurt, which had twice come from behind to pull level, is two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, which occupies the last Champions League qualification spot.

Christian Pulisic, restored to Dortmund's starting lineup after being one of the few to impress in the side's Europa League defeat at home to Salzburg, displayed his intent from the start, whipping in a sharp cross that Andre Schuerrle headed wide.

India Tv - Bundesliga

Image Source : APDortmund players celebrate after scoring the third goal.

Two minutes later, the United States midfielder did it again, crossing for Marco Reus at the far post only for retreating Frankfurt defender Marco Russ to turn it into his own net in an attempt to clear. Reus, who extended his Dortmund contract on Friday, would have almost certainly scored either way.

Dortmund dominated the rest of the first half but Frankfurt held on and showed a different face in the second.

Kevin-Prince Boateng drew a smart save from Dortmund's Roman Buerki after the break, and the visitors maintained their pressure.

India Tv - Bundesliga

Image Source : APFrankfurt came strong in the latter part of the game

Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger brought on Batshuayi for the last half hour. The Belgian forward had played every league game for Dortmund since his loan winter switch from Chelsea, though he hadn't scored since the 2-0 win over Hamburger SV on Feb. 10.

But it was another substitute, Luka Jovic, who rewarded Frankfurt's patience with the equalizer with 15 minutes remaining. The Serbian forward got his head to Jonathan de Guzman's free kick.

Not to be upstaged, Batshuayi scored two minutes later to restore the home side's lead after being played through by Pulisic.

Dortmund finished strongly with Reus drawing a good save from Lukas Hradecky, who might be a teammate next season. The Frankfurt goalkeeper's contract is up at the end of the season and has been linked as a replacement for the retiring Roman Weidenfeller.

India Tv - Bundesliga

Image Source : APMichy has a crack at goal against Frankfurt

Then Blum thought he'd salvaged a draw with his equalizer, but Batshuayi had the final say, stopping the ball with his right foot and turning to smash it in with his left.

"I'm happy because it's a long time since I scored," Batshuayi said.

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