Dortmund dig deep for draw

BV Borussia Dortmund had to come from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, but it was the home team that dominated throughout as they lost their pefect record at the Westfalenstadion in league and European games this season.

Dortmund comeback
Sochaux, who Dortmund coach Matthias Sammer said produced "a great tactical display", twice struck in early counterattacks through forwards Santos and Pierre-Alain Frau. But the fervently-supported German team kept their nerve and 18-year-old substitute Saher Senesie and Ewerthon levelled matters for a team without the injured midfield players Tomáš Rosický, Flavio Conceição and Torsten Frings, striker Marcio Amoroso and defenders Evanilson and Dede.

Sochaux ahead
The opening exchanges gave few clues as to what was to follow. Dortmund dominated, often facing eight Sochaux players behind the ball, but a Jan Koller header saved by Teddy Richert was all they had to show in the opening 12 minutes. And it was at that point that Frau picked up the ball in midfield, turned, and sent a delicious through-ball to the chasing Santos who angled a shot past Roman Weidenfeller.

Lead doubles
Only briefly knocked off their stride, Dortmund pressed again and Maxence Flachez and Sylvain Monsoreau both denied Koller in front of goal. Then, on 27 minutes, the lead doubled. Speedy Nigerian Wilson Oruma ran from defence and sent away Frau, who struck a rising shot with great power into the roof of the net.

Ricken hits the post
It was almost three when the 23-year-old Frau tackled Christian Wörns and cut into the box to send a cross in front of goal that Santos was unlucky not to force past Weidenfeller. Lars Ricken did have time to hit the post with a shot before the break, though.

Teenager strikes
Ricken went close again immediately after half-time as he chested down only for his rasping shot to be stopped by Richet, as Dortmund reasserted territorial control. Senesie headed wide moments after being introduced just following the hour mark, and eight minutes later he won the ball 30 metres out, stepped forward, and sent a low shot underneath Richet.

Scores levelled
The wind in their sails, the home side looked to level the scores, and within seven minutes did just that as Ewerthon controlled a Stefan Reuter cross from the right after a fine passing move, and struck his shot past several defenders. A Fabien Boudarène corner then clipped the Dortmund crossbar as either side could have edged ahead, but the final outcome ensures the prospect of a mouthwatering return on 27 November.

Mixed feelings
Sochaux coach Guy Lacombe said: "We are happy with a draw here as no other side had succeeded in doing so this season. On the other hand we are slightly disappointed as we were two goals up, but in the end we can live with the result." Sammer said: "I think we deserved to get the draw as the team showed great spirit, and we must also thank the fans for staying with us."