It was a season to remember for Borussia Dortmund. Tremendous promise under Niko Kovac’s first full season in charge. A runners up finish for the first time since 2023. The best defensive record in the Bundesliga, fewest goals conceded.
For the first time in a while, Die Borussen also managed to put up a strong title challenge to Bayern Munich. Had it not been for a sudden and inexplicable implosion late on, it might have gone down to the wire.
On paper, it seems near perfect. But the side wasn’t without its flaws. In fact, there were a few gruelling concerns that Kovac must address this summer if they are to challenge for the Meisterschale again.
Here are the key talking points from Dortmund’s 2025/26 season.
1. Dortmund are terrible at defending a lead
It’s a strange paradox. The side that conceded the fewest goals also lost the most points from winning positions.
On six different occasions, Dortmund were leading only to then drop points. Five draws. One defeat against Bayern Munich in February. This trait ultimately proved detrimental to their chances.
You cannot lead that often and walk away with nothing. It’s not bad luck. It’s a mentality problem.
2. Big game pedigree was sorely lacking
Another major issue? Their record against quality opposition.
Against the league’s top six sides, Dortmund managed just two wins in 10 games. Twelve points from a possible 30. That’s relegation form.
You can’t perform averagely against the big teams and expect to win the title. Bayern smashed almost everyone on their way, even doing the league double over Dortmund once again.
Kovac’s side always seemed to run into a mental roadblock against top competitors. That must change next season.
3. Defensive lapses in closing stages
How many times did we see Dortmund concede a goal or two in the dying embers of a match?
St. Pauli. Hamburger. Stuttgart. Frankfurt. Bayern. Hoffenheim. Monchengladbach.
That’s seven games. Enough to wreck a title challenge.
More importantly, it shows an inability to close a game out. Concentration lapses during key moments can be detrimental to their chances of winning and ultimately impact their title charge in the long run.
The bottom line
Best defence in the league. A runners up finish. A genuine title challenge.
But also: dropped points from winning positions. A terrible record against top six sides. Late goals conceded again and again.
Dortmund are close. So close. But close isn’t good enough when Bayern are Bayern.
Kovac has a summer to fix these flaws. If he doesn’t, next season will be more of the same: promise, then pain.
