Borussia Dortmund has always been known for its passionate fans and attacking football style, but it’s their ability to stage thrilling comebacks that has solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting clubs in football history. Whether battling in the Bundesliga, Champions League, or DFB-Pokal, Dortmund has shown time and again that they can turn matches around when all hope seems lost. This article delves into some of the most memorable Dortmund comebacks, showcasing the spirit and resilience that defines this remarkable club.

The 2016/17 UEFA Champions League: Dortmund vs. Benfica

One of the most iconic matches in Borussia Dortmund’s recent history occurred in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League during the 2016/17 season. After losing 1-0 in the first leg in Portugal, Dortmund faced a daunting task in the second leg at home in Signal Iduna Park. The atmosphere was electric, as the Yellow Wall filled the stadium with a sea of yellow and black.

Dortmund started the match strongly, quickly finding their rhythm. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring in the 4th minute, giving the home crowd hope. However, Benfica struck back with a goal from Gonzalo Guedes, silencing the crowd and putting Dortmund’s hopes in jeopardy. As the game progressed, the tension mounted, but the team responded with unwavering determination.

Dortmund regained the lead with a stunning goal from Ousmane Dembélé in the 34th minute, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2. The turning point came in the second half when Raphael Guerreiro scored a fantastic free-kick in the 61st minute, pushing Dortmund ahead 3-2 on aggregate. They secured their place in the quarter-finals with a final score of 4-0 on the night, marking a thrilling comeback that epitomized their never-say-die attitude.

The 2012 DFB-Pokal Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

Another memorable comeback occurred in the 2012 DFB-Pokal final against their arch-rivals Bayern Munich. Dortmund was coming off a stellar Bundesliga season, having already claimed the title. However, facing Bayern in a cup final is always a different challenge.

Dortmund initially struggled, as Bayern took a 1-0 lead through Mario Gomez in the 27th minute. The situation looked dire for the Black and Yellows, but they were not about to go down without a fight. In a remarkable display of resilience, Dortmund equalized just before halftime with a goal from Ilkay Gündoğan, who found the back of the net from the penalty spot after a foul on Mario Götze.

The second half saw Dortmund ramp up their pressure, and their relentless pursuit paid off. In the 90th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, Kevin Grosskreutz delivered a sensational cross into the box, where Robert Lewandowski leapt above the defenders to score the winning goal with a powerful header. Dortmund celebrated their victory with jubilant fans, securing the DFB-Pokal trophy and adding another thrilling chapter to their storied history.

The 2016 Bundesliga: Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen

The 2016 Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen is another match that exemplifies Dortmund’s fighting spirit. Playing at home, Dortmund found themselves in a precarious position when Leverkusen took a 2-0 lead in the first half. The home fans were left frustrated as their team struggled to find its footing.

However, the second half brought a completely different energy. Dortmund’s attacking prowess came alive, and they started to dominate possession. The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Marco Reus found the back of the net, igniting the hopes of the Signal Iduna Park crowd. Just minutes later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leveled the match with a well-timed finish, sending the fans into a frenzy.

Dortmund continued to press, and their relentless efforts paid off when Shinji Kagawa scored the winning goal in the 74th minute. The final whistle blew with a score of 3-2, marking a stunning comeback that showcased Dortmund’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

The 2019 UEFA Champions League: Dortmund vs. Tottenham Hotspur

In the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16, Dortmund faced Tottenham Hotspur, a formidable opponent. After a disappointing 3-0 loss in the first leg at Wembley, the Black and Yellows returned to Signal Iduna Park with a mountain to climb. The challenge seemed insurmountable, but the team’s spirit was palpable.

The match began with a bang as Dortmund immediately took control, determined to overturn the deficit. A well-placed header from Axel Witsel in the 30th minute gave the home side hope, igniting the passionate fans. Just before halftime, Marco Reus doubled the score, bringing the aggregate score to 3-2, and the dream of a comeback began to materialize.

Dortmund pressed on in the second half, creating multiple chances to equalize. Their efforts paid off when Mario Götze scored in the 83rd minute, bringing the aggregate score to 3-3. The tension in the stadium reached its peak as the fans roared in unison. However, in the end, despite their valiant efforts, they could not find the final goal to advance on away goals, but their comeback spirit was on full display.

The 2020/21 Bundesliga: Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

A thrilling comeback in the 2020/21 Bundesliga season against Eintracht Frankfurt showcased Dortmund’s resilience once again. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Frankfurt taking an early 2-0 lead. The Black and Yellows found themselves in a precarious position, as their title hopes appeared to be slipping away.

In the second half, Dortmund refused to give up. They mounted a fierce attack, and Jadon Sancho pulled one back in the 54th minute. The momentum shifted in Dortmund’s favor, and their attacking prowess became evident. Erling Haaland, the young sensation, equalized with a stunning strike just 10 minutes later, sending the fans into a frenzy.

With the score tied at 2-2, the match reached its climax. In the dying moments, Haaland struck again, scoring the winner in the 90th minute. The stadium erupted as Dortmund secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, demonstrating their trademark ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The Spirit of Borussia Dortmund

These thrilling comebacks are just a few highlights from Borussia Dortmund’s illustrious history. The club’s ability to fight back against the odds has endeared them to fans around the world. With a rich tradition of attacking football and a passionate fanbase, Dortmund continues to produce memorable matches filled with excitement and drama.

As the team looks to the future, one can only anticipate more thrilling wins and spectacular comebacks that will add to the legacy of this remarkable club. Whether in the Bundesliga or European competitions, Borussia Dortmund will always be a team known for their resilience and the ability to inspire with their unforgettable comebacks.

The legacy of Borussia Dortmund as a club of great escapes is undoubtedly an integral part of its identity. Each comeback not only showcases their footballing talent but also embodies the spirit of resilience that the team and its fans cherish. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a newcomer, these thrilling wins will forever be etched in the hearts of Dortmund fans.