Ramy Bensebaini's penalty double leads Borussia Dortmund to stunning comeback against Hamburg

Borussia Dortmund staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Hamburg 3-2 at Signal Iduna Park on Matchay 27, with substitute Ramy Bensebaini converting two second-half penalties after the visitors had built a 2-0 half-time lead.

Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Hamburg
Goals: 0-1 Otele 19' (assist: Mikelbrencis), 0-2 Sambi Lokonga 38' (assist: Vieira), 1-2 Bensebaini (pen.) 73', 2-2 Guirassy 78', 3-2 Bensebaini (pen.) 84'

Dortmund entered the match in imperious form, having lost just twice all season - both defeats coming against Bayern Munich - and already surpassing their points total from the previous campaign. The hosts were unbeaten against any team other than Bayern for over a year, making them strong favourites against a Hamburg side battling for Bundesliga survival.

Julian Ryerson had been in scintillating form with 12 assists for the season, while teenage defender Luca Reggiani was making his mark after scoring recently against Augsburg. Niko Kovač opted to field an unchanged lineup from Dortmund's 2-0 victory over Augsburg - the first time this season BVB had named the same starting eleven in consecutive matches.

Julian Ryerson (l.) couldn't stop his side from trailing at the break despite his good recent form. - IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

Hamburg stun Signal Iduna Park

Despite Dortmund's early pressure, including an early opportunity for Maximilian Beier that was brilliantly saved by Daniel Heuer Fernandes, it was Hamburg who struck first. In the 19th minute, William Mikelbrencis dispossessed Daniel Svensson before squaring to Philip Otele, who slotted home his first Bundesliga goal.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Fábio Vieira teed up Albert Sambi Lokonga, who fired past Gregor Kobel from inside the area. Dortmund were thrown a lifeline when Warmed Omari fouled Beier in the box, but Felix Nmecha dragged his penalty wide, leaving BVB two goals adrift at the break.

Felix Nmecha missed a great opportunity to get his side back into the game before the break. - IMAGO/Bahho Kara

About the players

5

Ramy

Bensebaini

Borussia Dortmund

Bensebaini leads remarkable comeback

Kovač made two crucial half-time substitutions, introducing Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy for Reggiani and Karim Adeyemi respectively. The hosts continued to press forward but were repeatedly thwarted by Hamburg's stubborn defence and their outstanding goalkeeper. The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Mikelbrencis fouled Beier in the box, and Bensebaini confidently converted from the spot.

Just five minutes later, Dortmund were level as Guirassy followed up after his initial header was saved to make it 2-2. The remarkable turnaround was completed in the 84th minute when a handball by Miro Muheim resulted in Dortmund's third penalty of the match. Bensebaini stepped up once again and slotted home to secure a historic victory for the Black and Yellows.

Ramy Bensebaini was ice-cold from the penalty spot. - IMAGO/Jan Huebner

Man of the Match: Ramy Bensebaini

Introduced at half-time with his team trailing 2-0, Bensebaini made a match-winning impact that few could have predicted. The Algerian defender not only strengthened Dortmund's backline but proved decisive in attack by coolly converting two critical penalties. His first spot-kick in the 73rd minute gave BVB hope, while his second in the 84th minute completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season.

Bensebaini showed remarkable composure under pressure, waiting for goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes to commit before placing his penalties perfectly. This was his first double in a Dortmund shirt and took his season's tally to four Bundesliga goals. The fact that Bensebaini has now converted all eight of his Bundesliga penalties underscores his reliability from the spot.

Bensebaini saved the day for Dortmund with his brace. - IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Borussia Dortmund 6.24 - Hamburg 1.25
Fastest player: Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), 34.66 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-2 by Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), 85 percent
Most pressed player: Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), +2.99

Fantasy Heroes: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund, 287 Points), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund, 270 Points), Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, 259 Points)

About the clubs

Hamburg

Volksparkstadion

Borussia Dortmund

SIGNAL IDUNA PARK