Niclas Fullkrug Scores Late Equaliser as Werder Bremen Hold Dortmund to 2-2 Draw
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Niclas Fullkrug returned to Borussia Dortmund with a memorable late goal as Werder Bremen fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against the Bundesliga leaders on Friday.
All four goals came during a dramatic final 10 minutes at Signal Iduna Park, with Bremen recovering from a two-goal deficit to deny Dortmund a fifth consecutive league victory.
Fullkrug, who left Dortmund for West Ham United in 2024, headed home the equaliser during stoppage time on his first return to his former club.
The striker said he had been looking forward to the match and remembered his time at Dortmund fondly, although he admitted that scoring against his former team was an emotional moment.
Dortmund Lose Points in Bundesliga Title Race
Dortmund had won their opening four matches of the season but were unable to maintain that record against a determined Bremen side.
The result gives Bayern Munich an opportunity to move to the top of the Bundesliga table if they defeat Augsburg on Saturday.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac expressed disappointment after his team surrendered its advantage in the closing minutes. He stressed that a match is not over until the referee blows the final whistle.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Bremen defending compactly and limiting Dortmund’s opportunities. Marcel Sabitzer came close with a direct free-kick that narrowly missed the target, while Bremen’s Ludovit Reis failed to convert a promising counter-attacking chance.
Dortmund forward Maximilian Beier also tested Bremen goalkeeper Karl Hein shortly before the interval.
Dortmund Break Through in the Closing Stages
Dortmund increased the pressure after the restart, but Hein produced several important saves to keep his side in the contest.
Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri appeared to put Dortmund ahead around the hour mark with an impressive overhead kick. However, the goal was ruled out because of a foul in the build-up, denying him his first Bundesliga goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 80th minute when Daniel Svensson finished from close range following a counter-attack.
Dortmund extended their lead five minutes later as Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from a corner, seemingly putting the hosts in control.
Bremen Fight Back for Dramatic Draw
Bremen refused to give up and quickly reduced the deficit in the 88th minute. Reis struck a powerful, low shot from distance to give the visitors renewed hope.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Fullkrug met a free-kick with a header and sent the ball into the net, earning Bremen a valuable point.
The late equaliser stunned the home crowd and ended Dortmund’s winning run in the league.
For Bremen, the result was a reward for their persistence, while Dortmund will regret failing to protect their two-goal advantage in a match that could have strengthened their position at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
