No winner in the chasing duel: BVB and Leipzig play 1:1

Kovac rotation leads to trouble for Bellingham

BVB coach Niko Kovac had also changed his team in three other positions compared to the Bilbao game. Among others, the most expensive summer signing Jobe Bellingham was initially only on the bench again this time, which led to Kovac facing unpleasant questions before the game. According to reports, the Englishman and his family are unhappy with the playing time of the brother of former BVB star Jude Bellingham.

"It's clear that Jobe might want to play more. That's okay," Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl confirmed on DAZN. Kovac justified his rotation with the high workload. "We all know that if you play every third day, and we have a lot of international players, then it's simply not possible. Nobody in the world will be able to keep the level up for the whole game," said Kovac.

Dortmund did more for the game, but did not reward themselves

Even without Belligham, who later came on as a substitute, Dortmund were the stronger team despite going behind. Couto rewarded BVB for their attacking efforts with the equalizer. It was the Brazilian's first Bundesliga goal in 26 matches. The game calmed down a little before the break, but remained intense.

After the break, both teams pressed for the win and fought an intense battle. While the visitors were always dangerous, Dortmund were the more active and agile team, especially towards the end of the game.

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