The match showcased both teams' resilience, with Dortmund ultimately prevailing in a tense shootout.
The game began with a strong start for Dortmund, but it was Frankfurt who struck first. In the 7th minute, Mario Gotze delivered a perfectly timed pass to Ansgar Knauff, who slotted the ball past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Despite falling behind, Dortmund maintained composure, but struggled to penetrate a disciplined Frankfurt defense.
Dortmund found their equalizer just three minutes into the second half when Julian Brandt tapped in a cross from Julian Ryerson. The match intensified, with Dortmund's Ritsu Dōan hitting the crossbar and both Can Uzun and Fabio Silva testing the Frankfurt goalkeeper with late efforts.
After a tightly contested 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Frankfurt nearly took the lead again when Jonathan Burkardt scored in the 115th minute, only for the goal to be ruled offside. With the score locked at 1-1, the match proceeded to penalties.
All four Dortmund players-Fabio Silva, Niklas Sule, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Felix Nmecha - successfully converted their penalties. In contrast, Frankfurt's Doan blasted his attempt over the bar, and Farès Chaïbi saw his shot saved by Kobel, sealing Dortmund's victory.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has urged Bayern Munich's 17-year-old talent Lennart Karl to focus on development with the under-21 side before thinking about a senior national team call-up.
Bayern Munich's teenage winger Wisdom Mike has played down the growing media attention surrounding his rapid rise, insisting he is focused purely on improving his game and earning his place at the club.
VfL Wolfsburg have sacked head coach Paul Simonis after a woeful spell of six defeats in their last seven Bundesliga matches, leaving the club in 14th place and just one point above the relegation playoff spot.
Bayern Munich were held to their first draw of the season by Union Berlin whilst Bayer Leverkusen hammered Heidenheim 6-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
