New Eintracht Frankfurt striker Younes Ebnoutalib enjoyed a dream Bundesliga debut on Friday, scoring a vital second-half goal in a rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Borussia Dortmund. The 22-year-old, who signed for his hometown club only last week, has completed a fairytale rise from the fourth tier to the top flight in just one year.
Dortmund initially capitalized on Frankfurt’s leaky defense, taking the lead after just 10 minutes when Maximilian Beier turned in a Julian Ryerson cross. However, the visitors’ momentum stalled when Serhou Guirassy conceded a careless penalty, allowing Can Uzun to slot home and end a goal drought dating back to September.
The drama intensified in the second half when a deflected Felix Nmecha strike trickled in to restore Dortmund’s advantage in the 68th minute. Yet, the spotlight belonged to Ebnoutalib, who seized his moment just minutes later by breaking free of the backline and smashing a finish past Gregor Kobel.
Billed as one of the most exciting talents in German football, Ebnoutalib’s ice-cool finish was the centerpiece of a match that eventually spiraled into a chaotic finish with two goals in stoppage time. The Frankfurt-born forward justified his immediate inclusion in the starting eleven, proving he belongs on the big stage.
For Dortmund, the result represents two points dropped in a title race that offers no room for such defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Frankfurt will take immense heart from their new talisman’s clinical introduction to life in the Bundesliga.
