Bensebaini double inspires stunning Dortmund comeback
Bensebaini double inspires stunning Dortmund comeback HSV looked set for a famous away victory for much of the contest, leading 2-0 through goals from Philip Otele and Albert Sambi Lokonga. However, Dortmund showed immense resilience after the break, with Ramy Bensebaini converting two penalties either side of a Serhou Guirassy strike to complete a dramatic turnaround. The opening exchanges were scrappy, with both sides struggling to maintain possession.
Dortmund fashioned the first clear opportunity when Nicolai Remberg was dispossessed deep in his own half, allowing Maximilian Beier to race through on goal, but Daniel Heuer Fernandes reacted sharply to deny him with an outstretched leg. HSV gradually grew into the contest and took the lead just before the 20-minute mark with their first real chance. William Mikelbrencis won the ball high up the pitch, drove into the area, and squared for Otele to tap home his first goal for Die Rothosen.
Dortmund were almost caught again soon after, with Gregor Kobel producing a fine save to keep out Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer from close range. At the other end, the hosts thought they had a penalty when Felix Nmecha went down in the box, only for the offside flag to cut the move short. Seven minutes before the break, HSV doubled their advantage in fortuitous fashion.
Dortmund failed to fully clear their lines, and the ball fell kindly for Fábio Vieira, who slipped in Lokonga to finish clinically and put the visitors firmly in control. Dortmund were handed a golden opportunity to respond on the stroke of half-time when Warmed Omari brought down Beier inside the area. However, Nmecha squandered the chance, dragging his penalty wide to leave the hosts trailing 2-0 at the interval.
The home side emerged with renewed intent after the break, with Heuer Fernandes again called into action to deny Nmecha from close range following good work from Beier. With time ticking away, Dortmund were given a lifeline in the 73rd minute when they were awarded another penalty. Bensebaini stepped up and calmly slotted down the middle to ignite hopes of a comeback.