Höler’s Stunning Volley Earns Freiburg a Point Against 10-Man Dortmund

SC Freiburg ended their seven-game losing streak against Borussia Dortmund with a spirited 1-1 draw at the Europa-Park Stadion, as Lucas Höler’s spectacular second-half strike cancelled out Ramy Bensebaini’s opener.

Dortmund looked sharp in the first half, seemingly unaffected by their midweek Champions League setback against FK Bodø/Glimt. Serhou Guirassy spurned an early chance, heading wide from Yan Couto’s cross, before combining with Carney Chukwuemeka, whose effort struck the post. The visitors’ pressure eventually paid off after 31 minutes when Bensebaini controlled a loose ball from a free-kick and saw his close-range shot deflect past Noah Atubolu to give Dortmund a deserved lead at the break.

The game shifted dramatically eight minutes into the second half when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s underhit pass left Jobe Bellingham exposed. The young midfielder brought down Philipp Treu to halt his run into the box, earning a straight red card and reducing Dortmund to 10 men. Freiburg grew in confidence and were rewarded 15 minutes from time when Christian Günter’s delivery found Höler, who produced a sublime volley on the turn into the top corner to level the contest.

Freiburg thought they had snatched victory late on when Igor Matanović converted from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The hosts ultimately settled for a point, climbing to ninth in the Bundesliga table, while Dortmund remain third, missing the chance to close the gap on leaders Bayern Munich.

The draw marked a significant psychological boost for Freiburg, ending their losing run against Dortmund, while the Schwarzgelben were left to rue missed opportunities and the costly dismissal that turned the game on its head.