Fatigued Borussia Dortmund suffer 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig

Borussia Dortmund find themselves four points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga standings after they were handed a 2-1 defeat by RB Leipzig on Saturday. 

Borussia Dortmund came up short against RB Leipzig on matchday 11 of the Bundesliga season, as Jesse Marsch’s side dominated their way to a 2-1 win. The shorthanded Black and Yellows simply couldn’t keep up with the home side, who took the lead through Christopher Nkunku in the first half. Marco Reus did equalise for Dortmund soon after the start of the second half. But Yussuf Poulsen turned home the winner for Leipzig 22 minutes from time.

It was a well deserved defeat for Borussia Dortmund, who now go into the international break with back to back losses. The players looked bereft of ideas and lacked freshness, largely in part to the injury crisis Dortmund have been facing this season.

RB Leipzig got out of the gates quickly and created a couple of good openings in the opening 15 minutes of the game. Gregor Kobel was forced into action in the 13th minute as he made an excellent save to deny Christopher Nkunku from close range. The home side kept pushing for the opening goal, and it finally arrived at the half hour mark. Nkunku made a well timed run to get on the end of Josko Gvardiol’s pass before rounding Kobel and finding the back of the net.

Borussia Dortmund failed to muster up any decent chances in response, and Leipzig went into the break with a 1-0 lead to show for their dominance.

RB Leipzig started the second half in similar fashion, but it was Borussia Dortmund who struck the next blow. Thomas Meunier threaded in a lovely through ball for Marco Reus, who beat Peter Gulacsi with a composed finish.

Leipzig responded well to Dortmund’s goal and forced Gregor Kobel into a great double save before Nkunku struck the post. Leipzig weren’t to be denied in the 68th minute though, as Yussuf Poulsen swept Nkunku’s low cross into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Borussia Dortmund tried hard to get back in the game, with Marco Rose bringing on the likes of Youssoufa Moukoko and Reinier to make an impact. But Leipzig were able to see out the win to hand BVB a blow in the title race.

Borussia Dortmund now go into the international break on the back of two straight defeats. But Marco Rose will be almost relieved to have a two-week break, which will hopefully allow some of the injured players to heal up.