Frustrated, Borussia Dortmund said goodbye to the World Cup break. It doesn't seem to be enough for a title duel with FC Bayern. But then the year 2023 begins and the Black and Yellows set off on a furious flight, which SC Freiburg also feels.
With a broad grin, Sebastien Haller strolled to Dortmund's south stand. Wrapped up thickly in a gray winter jacket, the goal debutant received congratulations and hugs from his BVB colleagues - and let the fans celebrate him. "He's been working towards it for a long time," said sporting director Sebastian Kehl after the 5-1 (1-1) win over SC Freiburg, "and we've been waiting for it for a long time." The striker's first Bundesliga goal for Borussia Dortmund after surviving cancer was the emotional highlight of the fourth win in a row, with which BVB drew level on points with record champions Bayern Munich, at least temporarily. "We are all overjoyed, a great burden has been lifted from him," said Kehl.
Haller's goal not only caused goosebumps, but also the decision to make it 3-1 (51st). The other goals were scored by Germany internationals Nico Schlotterbeck (26'), Karim Adeyemi (48') and Julian Brandt (69') as well as US striker Giovanni Reyna (82'). In the meantime, Lucas Höler (45th) equalized for Freiburg.
The guests had to act with one man less after Kiliann Sildillia was sent off for 75 minutes. Fifteen minutes before the end, Freiburg coach Christian Streich also saw yellow-red. "We wanted to get into a good transition game so that we might hurt Dortmund. Then there's the yellow-red card. The problem today was that I didn't feel proportionate," admitted the coach. "We weren't good enough with the ball, some players weren't good enough in tackles, so we lost 5-1."
With 37 points, Borussia caught up with FC Bayern, who could counter on Sunday (5.30 p.m. / DAZN and in the live ticker on ntv.de) at VfL Wolfsburg. "It's our turn, that was our goal," said Kehl and added with a grin: "It's worth calculating where this could lead."
Marco Reus returned to the starting eleven after three and a half months, and Haller was also back in the starting line-up. The attacker initially hung in the air. BVB couldn't find a gap in the Freiburg defense network, the guests defended in an extremely disciplined manner. However, stupidity by right-back Sildillia threw away Streich's plan: first the right-back got in Adeyemi's path, then knocked him down a little later - yellow-red.
The Westphalians increased the pressure against ten Breisgauers. Niklas Süle's violent shot from 25 meters steered SC goalkeeper Mark Flekken to the outside of the post, but he was powerless in the subsequent corner. The ball landed on the promoted ex-Freiburger Schlotterbeck, who scored from an acute angle. The Terzic team remained decisive in the game, but it was hardly dangerous at first. And so the ailing sports club slowly recovered - with the generous help of the Dortmund back line. Schlotterbeck and Süle didn't get a harmless ball cleared, Höler used the confusion to compensate.
However, this didn't last long: After the break, Dortmund unleashed an offensive firework display. Conductor Jude Bellingham put his heel down on Adeyemi, who took the ball with him and put it into the far post to take the lead again. The most emotional moment of the afternoon followed. Haller, whom almost all of Germany had taken to heart after his testicular cancer diagnosis, headed in after a cross – the stadium exploded. After 60 minutes, Haller was allowed to take his well-deserved day off early. BVB laid down the brave guest with relish, the lack of enthusiasm for the game in the first round was back. The strong Brandt was also rewarded with a remarkable long-range shot.
