GERMANY: “I felt the trust” André Silva off the mark in Bundesliga as Frankfurt hold Dortmund

Portugal striker André Silva scored his first goal for new club Frankfurt on Sunday, and the former Porto man could scarcely have chosen a better moment to adhere himself to his new supporters in the Bundesliga.

Frankfurt, who paired Silva with Gonçalo Paciência in attack, twice came from behind to earn a point against Dortmund in a 2-2 draw, with Raphaël Guerreiro playing his part in the second goal for the visitors.

Dortmund went ahead in the 11th minute at the Commerzbank Arena through Axel Witsel, but Silva levelled a couple of minutes before half time. The Seleção frontman found himself free in the box to convert Djibril Sow’s cutback with a pinpoint finish into the top corner. The goal was Silva’s first since scoring for Sevilla against Levante in La Liga in January.

Dortmund re-took the lead in the second half and left-back Guerreiro was key factor in the goal, with his free-kick parried by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and youngster Jadon Sancho scoring from the ensuing chaos. Dortmund looked set to clinch all three points but a late leveller through Thomas Delaney’s own goal ensured the teams shared the spoils.

“I’ve always felt the trust from the coach and my teammates,” Silva said after the match. “I always concentrate on myself and try to be a team player. Today my first goal finally came. A draw is a good and deserved result. We must continue to work on the things that did not go well today. It’s a great feeling to experience this crowd and I want to thank them for their support – the fans made the comeback possible.”

Silva was constantly in motion during the game, with statistical website whoscored.com ranking the Portuguese as the best player on the field and providing evidence of the vast territory covered by the striker. Frankfurt coach Adi Hutter added: “André has earned the goal because he has worked a lot and has been dealing with the opponent's defence over 90 minutes.”

By Sean Gillen