Next setback for BVB: 2:3 against Leipzig

Borussia Dortmund are facing a Christmas in a frosty atmosphere. Just three days after the much-criticized cup defeat in Stuttgart, coach Edin Terzic's team suffered another setback in the Bundesliga with a 2:3 (1:1) loss to RB Leipzig. Aided by the early dismissal of BVB defender Mats Hummels in the 15th minute, Leipzig consolidated fourth place with four points ahead of BVB. An own goal from Ramy Bensebaini (32nd minute) and goals from Christoph Baumgartner (54th) and Yussuf Poulsen (90.+1) gave RB a deserved victory in front of 81,365 spectators at a sold-out Signal Iduna Park on Saturday evening.

Despite Niklas Süle's equalizer (45.+6) and Niclas Füllkrug's late goal to make it 2:3 (90.+3) as well as a battling performance this time, Dortmund, who are fifth in the table, fell further behind in the battle for a Champions League place. As in the previous Bundesliga duels with Munich (0:4), Stuttgart (1:2) and Leverkusen (1:1), they also failed to beat a top team in the match against Leipzig. That gives little encouragement for the difficult Champions League match on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain for the group win.

After the cup frustration last Wednesday, Borussia started the game with many good intentions. "Life is always about getting back up again - especially after setbacks. We had an open and honest discussion," said coach Edin Terzic on Sky before kick-off. Nevertheless, his eleven, which had been changed in five positions, got off to a capital false start. Hummels tried to stop Leipzig's first dangerous attack with a foul on Lois Openda. The BVB defender was shown the red card for this emergency stop on the edge of the penalty area in the 15th minute.

This sending off had a visible effect. Leipzig immediately stepped up the pace and created their first chances through Simakan (19th) and Haidara (21st). The fast combination play also caused the Dortmund defense to falter in the following minutes. As BVB were initially unable to relieve the pressure with offensive actions while outnumbered, the pressure steadily increased. Going behind seemed only a matter of time. It was fitting that Borussia's crisis was brought about by an own goal. After a corner from Leipzig's David Raum, Bensebaini headed the ball into his own goal.

However, this 0:1 did not throw Dortmund off course as expected. Shortly before the break, they tried their luck on the offensive. Füllkrug and Salih Özcan forced Janis Blaswich (45.+5) into brilliant saves. A short time later, the RB keeper was also powerless when substitute Süle volleyed a cross from Julian Brandt into the opposition net.

However, Borussia's hopes of a conciliatory end to the match were dampened shortly after the restart. Although Gregor Kobel saved a shot from Simons, he had no chance with Baumgartner's shot from close range.

Two strong reactions from the Dortmund goalkeeper during a double chance from Simons (73') denied the visitors an early lead. BVB were allowed to hope for an equalizer until the end, but were unlucky with their finishing. Poulsen did better at the other end. Füllkrug's goal came too late for BVB.