Borussia Dortmund launched a stunning late comeback, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig at Red Bull Arena. Fábio Silva’s injury-time equalizer salvaged a vital point after Christoph Baumgartner’s first-half double put the hosts in command.
The Bundesliga clash on February 21, 2026, pitted second-placed Dortmund, boasting a formidable five-game winning streak, against fifth-placed Leipzig. Dortmund aimed to maintain their title challenge, while Leipzig sought to close the gap on the Champions League spots with a crucial home victory.
RB Leipzig started with clear intent, rewarded in the 20th minute. Yan Diomande provided a precise assist, allowing Christoph Baumgartner to strike home the opening goal. The Red Bull Arena erupted as Leipzig took an early lead.
The intensity of the game quickly escalated. Leipzig's Romulo Cardoso received a yellow card in the 30th minute for a foul. Just nine minutes later, Baumgartner doubled his tally, showcasing his sharp form.
David Raum delivered an excellent pass, which Baumgartner clinically finished, giving Leipzig a commanding 2-0 advantage in the 39th minute. Defender C. Lukeba then picked up a yellow card for Leipzig shortly before the break, reflecting the game's physical nature.
Dortmund faced a significant challenge at half-time, trailing by two goals. The visitors needed a drastic shift in momentum and strategy to turn the match around. Leipzig, meanwhile, looked comfortable holding their lead, confident in their defensive setup.
The second half began with immediate drama. In the 50th minute, an unfortunate own goal from Romulo Cardoso offered Borussia Dortmund a crucial lifeline. The ball found its way into Leipzig's net, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Dortmund pressed hard for an equalizer, introducing fresh legs with a triple substitution in the 64th and 65th minutes. M. Beier, F. Nmecha, and Y. Couto entered the fray, injecting new energy into their attack. Leipzig also made changes, bringing on A. Nusa to shore up their midfield.
The game descended into a scrappy affair, marked by several yellow cards. Julian Ryerson (69') and Fábio Silva (78') were booked for Dortmund, while Leipzig's David Raum also received a yellow in stoppage time for unsportsmanlike conduct.
As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, Borussia Dortmund’s relentless pressure finally paid off. In the 95th minute, substitute Fábio Silva, assisted by Karim Adeyemi, slotted home a dramatic equalizer. The late goal sent the away fans into raptures and stunned the home support.
Statistically, Leipzig held 56% possession and registered 13 total shots, with an expected goals (xG) of 1.78. Dortmund managed 10 shots and an xG of 1.32, demonstrating their efficiency in front of goal during the comeback despite fewer chances.
This thrilling 2-2 draw sees Borussia Dortmund maintain their strong position in the Bundesliga table, avoiding a damaging defeat. For RB Leipzig, the late concession feels like two points dropped, missing a chance to strengthen their grip on a European qualification spot.
