Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Dortmund defeat Frankfurt to kickstart the Nuri Şahin era

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Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review

Nuri Şahin had an excellent debut as manager of Dortmund, leading the team to a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to a remarkable second-half double from Jamie Gittens. This loss leaves Frankfurt without a win in their last five away matches in the Bundesliga.

Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Dino Toppmöller gestures during the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on August 24, 2024.
Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Dino Toppmöller gestures during the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on August 24, 2024.

Following a challenging summer that saw manager Edin Terzić depart despite taking the team to the UEFA Champions League final, Dortmund struggled to find their rhythm early on, with several new players making their first league appearances in the team’s colors. In contrast, Frankfurt appeared confident, with new signing Hugo Ekitike, who had recently scored twice in the DFB Pokal, creating difficulties for Dortmund’s defense both centrally and on the flanks.

Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Hugo Ekitike reacts after the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt on August 24, 2024.
Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Hugo Ekitike reacts after the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt on August 24, 2024.

Given that this matchup had seen at least four goals in eight of the last nine games at this location, the 0-0 score at halftime was quite unexpected. Şahin must have been satisfied with his side’s defensive performance in the first half, but fans had to wait until the last 20 minutes for the match to come alive, which happened when Farès Chaïbi surprisingly missed an open goal from just a few yards out. This moment was crucial, as substitute Gittens quickly moved down the field, skillfully cut inside Rasmus Kristensen, and scored with a shot into the far top corner.

Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens celebrates after scoring during the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on August 24, 2024.
Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt Review: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens celebrates after scoring during the Bundesliga match between Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on August 24, 2024.

Rather than responding to the initial challenge, the visitors appeared disheartened, and Dortmund’s earlier standout player made his mark once more in stoppage time, sealing the victory. Gittens sprinted down the counter to score under pressure, ensuring a seventh consecutive unbeaten encounter with Frankfurt. This was undoubtedly the beginning Şahin had been wishing for since becoming head coach, while Frankfurt will need to enhance their away performance if Dino Toppmöller hopes to lead his team into the top five in his second year at the helm.

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