Ebnoutalib scores on debut as Dortmund drop points at Frankfurt
Younes Ebnoutalib, the new forward for Eintracht Frankfurt, celebrated his Bundesliga debut in style by netting a second-half strike during an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Borussia Dortmund on Friday night.
Born in Frankfurt, Ebnoutalib joined his local team just a week ago, achieving a remarkable ascent from the fourth division to the top flight within one year.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of Germanys most promising young players, and he demonstrated his potential in this high-energy clash with Dortmund.
Starting in the lineup for his first match, Ebnoutalib delivered a composed shot into the net halfway through the second half, as the excitement built with two strikes in added time.
Frankfurt possess one of the most vulnerable backlines in the competition this term, and Dortmund capitalised early, breaking through after only 10 minutes.
Following a superb long pass from Nico Schlotterbeck, full-back Julian Ryerson sent a precise delivery to the near post, where Maximilian Beier converted with a swift volley.
Dortmund could not build on their early lead, though, allowing Frankfurt to fight back after Serhou Guirassy conceded a spot-kick with a clumsy challenge on Robin Koch.
Can Uzun calmly dispatched the penalty for Frankfurt, snapping a personal scoring slump that had lasted since September.
Shortly after the interval, Ebnoutalib nodded a promising opportunity just off target as Frankfurt dominated proceedings in the latter stages.
However, the home side were caught off guard when a wayward shot from Felix Nmecha looped into the goal following a deflection, handing Dortmund the advantage again on 68 minutes.
Soon after, Ebnoutalib grabbed his chance.
Evading the defenders, the young star latched onto a pass from teammate and fellow newcomer Arnaud Kaliumendo before firing past Dortmunds keeper Gregor Kobel.
Chukwuemeka rescues a point
Dortmund struck the frame of the goal during added time, prior to Mo Dahoud bending a fine effort into the upper corner to edge Frankfurt ahead.
Nevertheless, dreams of victory at home evaporated in the dying moments as Carney Chukwuemeka poked in a dramatic leveller for Dortmund.
This result positions Frankfurt three points below the Champions League positions in seventh place for now, with Dortmund trailing league frontrunners Bayern Munich by eight points in second.
Bayern could extend their lead when they welcome Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Two Bundesliga matches scheduled for Saturday were abandoned owing to severe wintry conditions in northern Germany.
St. Paulis clash with RB Leipzig and Hoffenheims trip to Werder Bremen fell victim to postponement, following intense snow that caused school shutdowns and widespread disruptions to transport networks in Hamburg and Bremen earlier this week.