PLAYER RATINGS | Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Heidenheim – BvB slip up once again as Heidenheim silence the Westfalenstadion | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund fail to bounce back from a disappointing setback against Bochum on matchday two as they are held to a 2-2 draw by Bundesliga new boys Heidenheim.

The first-half would begin in scintillating fashion for the hosts, as Donyell Malen’s wicked cross would be cleared as far as the edge of the box where Emre Can would contentiously touch the ball on with his arm before Julian Brandt fired home. His stunning half-volley rattled the bar before nestling into the back of the net to place Dortmund into an early lead.

However, while Heidenheim were busy mourning the opener, a cruel blow through the form of VAR would seemingly seal their fate with just twelve minutes on the clock. A handball by Lennard Maloney would lead to captain fantastic Emre Can doubling Die Schwarzgelben’s lead, placing Edin Terzić’s side in a commanding position heading into the break.

Nevertheless, Heidenheim would come out a different side in the second half. After believing that Marvin Pieringer had installed hope for the visitors – just for VAR to rule the goal out for handball – Marius Wolf would carelessly lose possession in the Dortmund’s defensive third. The ball would eventually find Eren Dinkçi, whose stunning half-volley would catch Gregor Kobel off guard; flying into the Swiss’ near post.

Then with 15 minutes remaining Dortmund would self-destruct. Sébastien Haller would bring down Jan-Niklas Beste and a penalty would be awarded, despite VAR having to be consulted twice. Tim Kleindienst would then bury the subsequent spot kick to see Heidenheim complete a truly miraculous comeback.

A result that will be etched into the history of Heidenheim as they look to prove their doubters wrong in their attempt to remain in the Bundesliga. Whereas for Dortmund, another frustrating performance will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of those associated with the club. A serious title challenge is beginning to look far from likely.

Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings

Gregor Kobel, 6 – Beaten at his near post allowed Dinkçi to put the pressure on Dortmund when they should have been home and dry. It is an error that would ultimately come back to haunt Die Schwarzgelben.

Marius Wolf, 7

Niklas Süle, 6 – Failing to complete a single tackle all game, Süle at times appeared helpless in preventing Heidenheim from finding a route back into the game.

Nico Schlotterbeck, 6

Ramy Bensebaini, 6

Emre Can, 8 – In a time of crisis the captain is the player everyone turns to. A goal and an assist meant that Can stepped up to the occasion, but he failed to install composure to shaky Dortmund side.

Marcel Sabitzer, 6

Julian Brandt, 7 – A player with bags of ability, consistency has always been the frustrating aspect of Brandt’s game. His spectacular strike gave Dortmund the advantage, but failed to impact the game from there.

Donyell Malen, 7

Karim Adeyemi, 6

Sébastien Haller, 5 – A disappointing performance from Dortmund’s target man, he failed to impose himself on the game, while also giving away a penalty. Unable to register a shot during the 78 minutes he was on the pitch, it may not be long until Niclas Füllkrug is leading the line.

Others: Felix Nmecha (6), Niclas Füllkrug (6), Youssoufa Moukoko (-)

Heidenheim Player Ratings

Kevin Müller, 8 – A warrior in between the sticks for Heidenheim, a total of seven saves prevented Dortmund from running away with the game in the first-half.

Omar Traoré, 6

Patrick Mainka, 7

Tim Siersleben, 6

Norman Theuerkauf, 7

Lennard Maloney, 6

Denis Thomalla, 6

Eren Dinkçi, 8 – A constant threat to the Dortmund back line, if Heidenheim are to stay up he will be crucial to their success. With two chances created, no other Heidenheim player could boast a better return, and his stunning half-volley ensured they were not out of the game.

Adrian Beck, 7

Jan-Niklas Beste, 7

Tim Kleindienst, 7

Others: Marvin Pieringer (6), Nikola Dovedan (6), Florian Pick (-), Kevin Sessa (-)

GGFN | Will Shopland