Tabakovic's Late Strike Secures Gladbach Survival, Deepens Dortmund's Slide

Key facts

• Haris Tabakovic scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, initially flagged offside but confirmed by VAR.
• The 1-0 victory at Borussia-Park on May 3, 2026, secured Gladbach's Bundesliga survival with two matchdays remaining.
• Dortmund have lost three of their last four league games and back-to-back away matches for the first time in 16 months.
• Gladbach's win was their first head-to-head victory over Dortmund in seven meetings.
• Dortmund's kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes due to their late arrival at the stadium.
• Gladbach's Nico Elvedi had a first-half volley disallowed for offside; Yannik Engelhardt headed just wide before the break.
• Dortmund's only first-half shot on target was a tame effort from Samuele Inacio in stoppage time.
• Gladbach's Rocco Reitz provided the assist for Tabakovic's winner.

Lede: Survival Clinched in Dramatic Fashion

Borussia Mönchengladbach secured their Bundesliga survival with a 1-0 home win over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, as Haris Tabakovic's 90th-minute strike — initially ruled out for offside but overturned by VAR — lifted them nine points clear of the relegation play-off place. The victory, their first in seven attempts against Dortmund, came at the end of a tense match that saw the hosts dominate but struggle to break through until the dying moments.

Match Action: Gladbach's Pressure Finally Pays Off

The first half offered few clear chances: a blocked Kevin Stöger effort was the only shot in the early exchanges, and Joe Scally's 20th-minute strike from the edge of the box was easily saved by Gregor Kobel. Nico Elvedi then volleyed home from a free-kick, but the offside flag immediately denied him. Gladbach continued to press, with Tabakovic having a close-range effort thwarted by Kobel and Yannik Engelhardt heading Franck Honorat's corner just wide before the break. Dortmund's only response was a tame Samuele Inacio shot in stoppage time. After the interval, Tabakovic missed from six yards under pressure, and Stöger shot straight at Kobel. Julian Brandt offered a half-chance for Dortmund, but a wild Julian Ryerson strike midway through the half was their next effort. Niko Kovac introduced Fabio Silva, who orchestrated a counter-attack with 12 minutes left but could not finish. With five minutes remaining, Honorat's low centre begged to be turned in, but Rocco Reitz could not adjust his angles. Reitz, however, soon played the decisive role, threading a ball through for Tabakovic to beat Kobel with a cool finish in the 90th minute.

VAR Drama and Tactical Decisions

The offside flag initially denied Tabakovic his moment, but VAR confirmed he had timed his run to perfection, handing Gladbach the win. The goal capped a frustrating afternoon for Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who had made several saves to keep his side level. Kobel later lamented Dortmund's late lapse, reflecting a broader pattern of defensive fragility that has seen them lose three of their last four Bundesliga matches. Dortmund's late arrival at the stadium delayed kick-off by 10 minutes, a detail that underscored a lack of focus that persisted throughout the game.

Injury List and Squad Depth

Both teams were hampered by injuries. Gladbach were without Nathan N'Goumou (Achilles tendon, out until mid-May), Tim Kleindienst (knee, mid-May), and Niklas Süle (knee, mid-May). Dortmund's Emre Can is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Felix Nmecha is sidelined with a knee issue until mid-May. The absences limited tactical options for both managers, with Gladbach relying on Tabakovic's late heroics and Dortmund unable to find an attacking rhythm.

Standings Implications and Season Context

The result leaves Gladbach nine points clear of the relegation play-off place with two matches remaining, effectively guaranteeing their top-flight status. Dortmund, already assured of a UEFA Champions League berth, have now lost back-to-back away games for the first time in 16 months, ending their season on a sour note. The defeat continues a worrying trend: Dortmund have won only one of their last four league outings, raising questions about their form heading into the Champions League campaign.

What Comes Next

Gladbach will look to build on this momentum in their final two fixtures, while Dortmund must address their defensive lapses and poor away form. The club's management will likely face scrutiny over squad depth and tactical adjustments, especially with key injuries to Emre Can and Felix Nmecha. For now, Gladbach can celebrate survival, while Dortmund are left to ponder a season that ends with a whimper rather than a flourish.

The bottom line

• Haris Tabakovic's 90th-minute VAR-confirmed winner secured Gladbach's Bundesliga survival, lifting them nine points above the relegation play-off place.
• Dortmund have lost three of their last four league games and back-to-back away matches for the first time in 16 months.
• Gladbach's win ended a seven-match winless run against Dortmund in head-to-head encounters.
• Dortmund's late arrival caused a 10-minute kick-off delay, reflecting a lack of focus that persisted throughout the match.
• Injuries to key players like Emre Can and Felix Nmecha have weakened Dortmund's squad depth in the run-in.
• Gladbach's pressure finally paid off after several near-misses, including a disallowed Nico Elvedi volley and a Yannik Engelhardt header just wide.