Understrength BVB inflicts first defeat on Leipzig

A sigh of relief for Borussia Dortmund and coach Nuri Sahin. With their fifth win in their fifth home game, crisis-hit BVB sent out an important signal with a 2:1 (1:1) victory over second-placed RB Leipzig and former coach Marco Rose. After four consecutive away defeats, goals from Maximilian Beier (30') and Serhou Guirassy (65') restored some calm to the Westphalians, who were heavily short of substitutes.

Only Benjamin Sesko (27') scored for Leipzig, who had only conceded three goals in eight games this season. The Saxons thus conceded another defeat after a season-long run of 19 unbeaten games and are now three points behind FC Bayern in the table. With 16 points, BVB moved back up to the Champions League places and are fifth in the table, at least until Sunday.

Sabitzer off injured, Bensebaini sees 5th yellow card

However, new personnel problems are looming. Marcel Sabitzer was forced off injured and left-back Ramy Bensebaini picked up his fifth yellow card, adding to Dortmund's list of absentees for their next Bundesliga match at FSV Mainz. Sahin was already missing ten professionals against Leipzig.

The pressure on 36-year-old coach Sahin was great before kick-off. Just thirteen points after eight matchdays - the last time Dortmund were in a weaker position was ten years ago at the same time.

Although sporting director Lars Ricken had demonstratively backed the young head coach once again in recent days, Sahin admitted on Sky before the game: "It's difficult, I've had better days in my life."

Leipzig take the lead with first shot on goal

It was fitting for the Westphalians that the visitors, who had been harmless for a long time, took the lead with their first shot on goal. After half an hour, Sesko converted a chipped pass from Lois Openda into the net from an acute angle because Alexander Meyer in the BVB goal did not raise his arms quickly enough. The 33-year-old stood in for Gregor Kobel, who was also out with a short-term injury.

Though Dortmund clearly set the tone in the first half. Jamie Gittens alone missed two top chances (14th/29th). After a corner, the Champions League finalists from the previous season quickly equalized through Beier and went into the break with encouraging applause for their spirited performance.

After the changeover, an open exchange of blows developed as Dortmund's courageous performance continued. Guirassy headed BVB into the lead to the cheers of the majority of the 81,365 spectators after Beier's preparatory work. And the Westphalians should have led by more and decided the game earlier. RB keeper Peter Gulasci was the best player for Leipzig, who were disappointing on balance, with several brilliant saves.