Borussia Dortmund suffered a 0-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. An early red card to Daniel Svensson following a VAR review decided the match early on. Despite playing short-handed, Dortmund fought back but couldn't mount a comeback.
In the Champions League league phase's seventh matchday, Borussia Dortmund fell 0-2 (0-2) to Tottenham Hotspur in North London. The goals came from Cristian Romero in the 14th minute off a corner and Dominic Solanke in the 37th. A red card to Dortmund defender Daniel Svensson in the 25th minute proved decisive: Referee Glenn Nyberg upgraded a yellow to red via video review for a foul on Tottenham's Wilson Odobert. BVB icon Mats Hummels criticized: "That's a classic freeze-frame red card we got here."
Tottenham had already controlled the game before the sending-off. The Spurs, sitting 14th in the Premier League and winless in competitive matches this year, were missing 13 pros due to injuries or bans. Yet they pinned Dortmund early and capitalized on chances. Coach Niko Kovač's side delivered a poor first-half performance, improved after the break, but couldn't recover. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel prevented more goals, such as against Xavi Simons in the 73rd minute.
The loss eliminates Dortmund's shot at direct round-of-16 entry, dropping them from the top 8. To reach the playoffs, the BVB needs a home win against Inter Milan on January 28. Tottenham gains momentum and could skip the playoff round, potentially saving manager Thomas Frank's job.
