Borussia Dortmund signed off the year in style with a 2–0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, a result that lifted them to second place in the Bundesliga table. However, despite the comfortable-looking scoreline, the match was overshadowed by a highly contentious moment that sparked anger and debate among the visitors.

The controversy centred on Dortmund’s opening goal, scored by Julian Brandt. Gladbach players were furious, believing that Serhou Guirassy committed a foul inside the penalty area in the build-up. The referee waved away protests, allowing the goal to stand — a decision that would dominate post-match discussion.

Midfielder Philipp Sander, who was directly involved in the incident, did not hide his frustration and delivered a strongly worded reaction during the first half.

“I’m not the type of player who goes down easily,” Sander said. “For me, it’s a clear foul. The referee said we were both pulling each other, but those are two different things. What hurts most is that he didn’t even go to review the footage. At least look at the replay — if you still think it’s fine, then fair enough. But to completely ignore it is incredibly frustrating.”

Former Germany international Shkodran Mustafi echoed those sentiments, publicly backing Sander and describing the incident as an “obvious foul”. The tension spilled onto the pitch, with the match becoming increasingly physical and nervy as Gladbach searched for a way back.

Despite the protests and rising emotions, Borussia Dortmund remained composed and protected their lead. In stoppage time, Maximilian Beier struck a decisive second goal, finally removing any doubt about the outcome.

2025-26, Germany - Bundesliga

Borussia D - Borussia Mg 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Brandt, 10 (1:0); Beier M., 90 (2:0)

Borussia D: Kobel; Schlotterbeck N.; Svensson D.; Süle; Ryerson (Couto, 82); Can E.; Nmecha F.; Brandt (Chukwuemeka C., 71); Groß (Sabitzer, 71); Guirassy (Fábio Silva, 82); Adeyemi K. (Beier M., 60)
Substitution: Beier M. (from 60); Chukwuemeka C. (from 71); Sabitzer (from 71); Couto (from 82); Fábio Silva (from 82)
Bench: Meyer A.; Mane F.; Özcan Sa.; Campbell C.
Yellow Cards: Can E. 53; Schlotterbeck N. 59

Borussia Mg: Nicolas M.; Diks; Netz; Scally J.; Elvedi; Engelhardt (Mohya, 80); Neuhaus (Stöger, 80); Sander P. (Machino, 80); Reitz; Reyna G. (Ranos, 65); Tabakovic
Substitution: Ranos (from 65); Stöger (from 80); Mohya (from 80); Machino (from 80)
Bench: Omlin; Ullrich L.; Fraulo; Herrmann
Yellow Cards: Netz 90