Borussia Dortmund's hopes dashed in 1:1 draw at SC Freiburg after red card setback

Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga campaign hit another rough patch as they were held to a 1:1 draw by SC Freiburg on December 14, 2025. Ramy Bensebaini gave Dortmund the lead in the 31st minute after capitalizing on a precise free-kick delivery from Yan Couto. However, the match dramatically shifted when Jobe Bellingham received a red card in the 53rd minute for a last-man foul, reducing Dortmund to ten men.

Freiburg took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Lucas Höler delivering a spectacular overhead kick to equalize in the 75th minute, a goal that earned him Man of the Match honors. Despite Freiburg's near-winning goal shortly afterward being disallowed for offside, BVB could not regain the lead. Key striker Serhou Guirassy had early chances but Dortmund struggled to convert, partially due to missing injured players Julian Brandt and Waldemar Anton.

The draw extends Dortmund's recent difficulties, coming on the heels of a poor Champions League performance against FK Bodö/Glimt and internal criticism from defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The team's inability to secure victory, especially after seven consecutive wins against Freiburg, underscores the growing pressure on coach Niko Kovač and the squad. Dortmund now face increasing scrutiny ahead of their next fixture against Mönchengladbach.

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and the defense also came under fire for their errors, contributing to the disappointing result. Despite several attempts late in the match, including an offside-ruled goal by Igor Matanovic in the 86th minute, Dortmund failed to capitalize and secure the full three points.