2. Bundesliga Topspiel review: Spoils shared after six-goal thriller in Dresden

Late drama capped a wild night in Dresden as the hosts snatched a point in a six-goal thriller against Karlsruher SC.

The opening 15 minutes were frenetic. Nils Fröling fired Dresden ahead in the ninth minute with a swerving strike that left Hans Christian Bernat unsighted and sent the home crowd into raptures. Their joy was short-lived, however, as barely a minute later Marcel Beifus rose highest to meet David Herold’s corner, looping a header over Tim Schreiber to bring KSC level.

The visitors continued to carry more threat, especially from set pieces, while Schreiber was called into action on several occasions. Just when it seemed the sides would go in level at the break, Kofi Amoako gifted KSC possession in a dangerous area. After combining well with Philipp Förster, Lilian Egloff’s deflected effort found the net to complete the first-half turnaround in the 38th minute. 1-2 at the interval.

The second half picked up right where the first left off – fast, open, and full of chances. Christoph Daferner first denied KSC with a goal-line clearance, then moments later missed a glorious chance himself, heading over from close range. He soon made amends, finishing off a devastating counter-attack by tapping in Jonas Oemichen’s pull back on the 52nd minute to make it 2-2.

As Dresden pushed to complete a comeback of their own, KSC struck again against the run of play. Fabian Schleusener got the better of Claudio Kammerknecht to turn home a pinpoint cross from Rafael Pinto Pedrosa, restoring the visitors’ advantage. The chances continued to arrive thick and fast as substitute Dominik Köther squandered a good opportunity to equalise for Dresden, while Marvin Wanitzek was inches away from sealing it for KSC as his free-kick crashed against the post in the 80th minute.

Thomas Stamm’s side refused to give up, and early into stoppage time they were rewarded. A hopeful ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the KSC defence, and a poor headed clearance fell perfectly for Jakob Lemmer, who lashed home a first-time volley past Bernat to make it 3-3. Niklas Hauptmann almost completed the comeback moments later, but Bernat clawed his effort away to preserve the draw.

A breathless contest ended with honours even – a game that will surely live long in the memory as a 2. Bundesliga classic. The point leaves Karlsruher down to seventh due to other results, while Dresden drop to 16th following Nürnberg’s earlier win. Despite another strong attacking display, the hosts will know they must start turning performances into victories soon.