90+5! Close Win For BVB! | HOFFENHEIM - BORUSSIA DORTMUND | Highlights | MD 31 – Bundesliga 2024/25
HOFFENHEIM vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND
In a thrilling encounter at the PreZero Arena on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim, courtesy of a last-gasp winner from Waldemar Anton, a result that bolstered their hopes of securing a coveted Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season with just three Bundesliga matches remaining. The game, a rollercoaster of emotions for the Dortmund faithful, saw the visitors concede a stoppage-time equalizer only to respond with a heart-stopping goal in the dying seconds, as Anton slotted into an empty net to seal a fourth win in their last five league outings. The victory propelled Dortmund to sixth place in the Bundesliga standings with 48 points, now just three points shy of fourth-placed RB Leipzig, the final position guaranteeing automatic Champions League qualification. Under the guidance of manager Nuri Şahin, Dortmund displayed resilience and attacking flair, with standout performances from top scorer Serhou Guirassy and the ever-reliable Julian Brandt, whose contributions were pivotal in navigating a Hoffenheim side that refused to capitulate. The match encapsulated Dortmund’s season—a blend of brilliance and vulnerability—as they fought to overcome their inconsistencies and keep pace in a fiercely competitive race for the top four, while Hoffenheim’s late heartbreak underscored their struggles to convert promising performances into points.
The match began with Dortmund asserting their attacking intent, their high-pressing game and quick transitions putting Hoffenheim’s defense under immediate pressure. The PreZero Arena, filled with a vocal home crowd, was a cauldron of noise, but Dortmund’s players, buoyed by their recent run of form, appeared unfazed. The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute, a moment of sublime teamwork that showcased Dortmund’s attacking potency. Julian Brandt, the orchestrator of many of Dortmund’s best moments this season, embarked on a incisive run through the midfield, his vision and precision carving open Hoffenheim’s backline. Spotting Serhou Guirassy in space, Brandt delivered a perfectly weighted pass, and the Guinea international, with the poise of a seasoned finisher, slotted the ball past Oliver Baumann to claim his 17th league goal of the campaign. The goal sent the traveling Dortmund supporters into raptures, their yellow-and-black flags waving furiously as Guirassy celebrated his latest contribution to a prolific season. Dortmund’s dominance continued, and in the 34th minute, they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Guirassy stepped up, but his low, tame effort was comfortably saved by Baumann, a missed opportunity that injected a flicker of belief into the home side. Hoffenheim capitalized on this reprieve just before halftime, as Adam Hlozek, controlling a long ball with his chest, unleashed a fierce strike that flew past Gregor Kobel, leveling the score at 1-1 and silencing the Dortmund fans. The equalizer was a reminder of Dortmund’s defensive frailties, a recurring issue that has plagued their campaign despite their attacking riches.
The second half saw Dortmund regroup, with Şahin’s halftime instructions clearly emphasizing the need for greater composure and clinical finishing. Hoffenheim, emboldened by their equalizer, pushed for a lead, with Maximilian Beier and Andrej Kramarić testing Dortmund’s resolve, but the visitors’ backline, anchored by Niklas Süle, held firm under pressure. Dortmund’s response came in the 74th minute, a goal that epitomized their ability to strike with devastating precision. Daniel Svensson, who had been a constant threat down the left, delivered a superb cross to the far post, where Brandt, timing his run to perfection, met the ball with a one-touch volley that rifled into the net, restoring Dortmund’s lead at 2-1. The goal, Brandt’s second direct involvement of the afternoon, sparked wild celebrations among the Dortmund bench and their supporters, who sensed a crucial victory within reach. However, Hoffenheim’s resilience shone through in stoppage time, as Pavel Kaderabek capitalized on a defensive lapse to head home a dramatic equalizer, leaving Dortmund stunned and their fans deflated. The PreZero Arena erupted, with Hoffenheim believing they had secured a hard-earned point. Yet, Dortmund’s character, a hallmark of Şahin’s tenure, came to the fore in the final moments. With seconds remaining, a swift counterattack saw Hoffenheim’s defense caught out of position, and Waldemar Anton, the Germany international, found himself with an open goal after a selfless pass from Karim Adeyemi. Anton calmly slotted the ball home, sparking pandemonium among the Dortmund players and fans as they celebrated a 3-2 victory that kept their Champions League dreams alive.
Waldemar Anton’s last-gasp heroics were the defining moment of a match that showcased Dortmund’s attacking flair and their capacity to overcome adversity, but it was the collective effort that secured the three points. Serhou Guirassy’s opener, his 17th goal of the season, underlined his status as one of the Bundesliga’s premier strikers, his movement and finishing proving too much for Hoffenheim’s defense. Julian Brandt, with a goal and an assist, was the architect of Dortmund’s victory, his vision and technical quality providing the spark that drove the team forward. Daniel Svensson’s two assists highlighted his growing importance to Şahin’s system, his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses adding a new dimension to Dortmund’s attack. On the defensive end, Gregor Kobel’s crucial interventions, including a stunning save to deny Beier in the second half, ensured that Dortmund remained in contention despite their late scare. The victory was a testament to Şahin’s ability to instill belief in a squad that has faced criticism for its inconsistency, particularly in defense, where lapses like Kaderabek’s equalizer have been all too common. For Hoffenheim, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as their spirited performance, driven by Hlozek’s fine goal and Baumann’s penalty save, deserved at least a point. The contributions of Svensson, who assisted both Dortmund goals, were a cruel irony for the home side, as their inability to close out the game ultimately cost them.
The broader context of this victory underscores its significance for Dortmund’s season, as their sixth-place position and 48 points place them tantalizingly close to the top four. With three matches remaining, the three-point gap to fourth-placed RB Leipzig is bridgeable, particularly given Dortmund’s recent form, which has seen them win four of their last five league games. The Champions League, a competition that defines Dortmund’s ambitions, remains within reach, but Şahin’s side must maintain their momentum against formidable opponents in the run-in. The loss of key players like Mats Hummels in the summer and injuries to others have tested Dortmund’s depth, but the emergence of players like Anton, who has transitioned seamlessly from Stuttgart to Dortmund, and the continued excellence of Guirassy and Brandt provide cause for optimism. For Hoffenheim, the defeat leaves them mired in mid-table, their hopes of a European push fading despite their attacking talent. Jess Thorup’s side will rue their missed opportunities, particularly in the second half, where Beier and Kramarić failed to convert promising chances. The match highlighted Hoffenheim’s potential but also their inconsistency, a recurring theme in a season that has promised much but delivered little in terms of tangible results.
As Dortmund look ahead to their final three matches, the challenge will be to maintain the intensity and resilience displayed against Hoffenheim. Şahin’s ability to manage his squad, particularly in defense, where lapses have been costly, will be crucial, as will the contributions of Guirassy, who remains the focal point of their attack. The PreZero Arena, with its passionate atmosphere, proved a stern test, but Dortmund’s character shone through, and their fans will believe that a top-four finish is achievable. For Hoffenheim, the focus will shift to regrouping and finishing the season strongly, with players like Hlozek and Kaderabek showing they can compete with the league’s best. The dramatic nature of Dortmund’s victory, sealed by Anton’s composure in the final seconds, will linger long in the memory, a reminder of the fine margins that define the Bundesliga’s race for the Champions League. With the yellow wall behind them, Dortmund’s quest for a return to Europe’s elite competition is alive and well, but they must navigate the remaining fixtures with the same determination that saw them triumph in this unforgettable five-goal thriller.
