Tabakovic strike deepens Dortmund crisis as Gladbach triumph 1-0

Key facts

• Haris Tabakovic scored the only goal in the 65th minute.
• Borussia Dortmund have lost three of their last four Bundesliga matches.
• The match was played on May 3, 2026, at Borussia-Park in Mönchengladbach.
• Gregor Kobel lamented Dortmund's late defensive lapse.
• Dortmund are without Emre Can for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
• Mönchengladbach drew 1-1 with Mainz 05 in their previous match.
• Wolfsburg drew 0-0 with Mönchengladbach earlier.

A single moment decides the Borussia derby

Haris Tabakovic's 65th-minute strike was the difference as Borussia Mönchengladbach defeated Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at Borussia-Park on Sunday, deepening Dortmund's slump in the Bundesliga. The goal came against the run of play, punishing a momentary lapse in concentration from the visitors' defence. Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who had kept his side in the match with several saves, was left to rue the late defensive error. "We had control for large parts of the game, but one mistake cost us," Kobel said after the match.

Dortmund's slide continues

The defeat marks Dortmund's third loss in their last four Bundesliga outings, a worrying trend for a club that harbours Champions League ambitions. With only two matches remaining in the season, the team finds itself under pressure to secure a top-four finish. Injuries have compounded Dortmund's problems. Emre Can is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Niklas Süle, Felix Nmecha, and Tim Kleindienst are all sidelined with knee injuries until mid-May. The absence of key players has disrupted the team's rhythm and forced coach Edin Terzić to shuffle his lineup.

Mönchengladbach capitalise on home advantage

Mönchengladbach, playing in front of their home crowd at Borussia-Park, absorbed Dortmund's pressure and struck when it mattered. Tabakovic's goal was a product of swift counter-attacking football, catching Dortmund's defence out of position. The hosts had drawn 1-1 with Mainz 05 in their previous match and were held 0-0 by Wolfsburg before that, making the victory over their namesake rivals a significant boost. Midfielder Hugo Bolin, who was substituted in the 65th minute, and Giovanni Reyna, replaced in the 70th, played key roles in maintaining the team's shape.

Key player ratings and substitutions

Player ratings from the match reflect the tight nature of the contest. Bolin received a 6.33 rating, Reyna a 6.31, and Daniel Svensson a 6.22 before being substituted in the 61st minute. Salih Özcan earned a 6.46 before his substitution in the 76th minute, while Carney Chukwuemeka was replaced in the 84th minute with a 6.17 rating. Dortmund's substitutions failed to change the game's trajectory, as Mönchengladbach's defence held firm. The match statistics showed Dortmund dominating possession but lacking the cutting edge in the final third.

Injury list hampers Dortmund's depth

Beyond Can's season-ending injury, Dortmund are managing a growing treatment room. Niklas Süle, Felix Nmecha, and Tim Kleindienst are all expected to return by mid-May, but their absence has forced Terzić to rely on a depleted squad. Mönchengladbach also have injury concerns: Nathan N'Goumou is out with an Achilles tendon injury until mid-May. The cumulative effect of injuries has tested the squad's depth, with several young players stepping into starting roles. The club's medical staff are working to have key players fit for the final two matches of the season.

What lies ahead for both sides

With two games left in the Bundesliga season, Dortmund face a critical run-in to secure European qualification. Mönchengladbach, meanwhile, will look to build on this victory and climb further up the table. The result also has implications for the broader Bundesliga standings, as both teams jostle for position. Dortmund's next match will be a test of their resilience, while Mönchengladbach aim to continue their resurgence under the guidance of their coaching staff.

The bottom line

• Haris Tabakovic's 65th-minute goal gave Mönchengladbach a 1-0 win over Dortmund.
• Dortmund have lost three of their last four Bundesliga matches.
• Gregor Kobel acknowledged a defensive lapse cost his team.
• Emre Can is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
• Mönchengladbach drew 1-1 with Mainz 05 and 0-0 with Wolfsburg in their previous matches.
• Dortmund's injury list includes Niklas Süle, Felix Nmecha, and Tim Kleindienst.