Goalkeeper Kobel on BVB exit: "I take full responsibility" - Kobel's 98th-minute blunder sends Dortmund crashing out of Champions League
Borussia Dortmund's Champions League campaign ended abruptly after a costly error by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. His misplaced pass in the 98th minute gifted Atalanta a penalty, sealing a 4–1 defeat on February 25, 2026. The mistake proved decisive in Dortmund's elimination from the competition.
The match appeared to be heading toward a narrow loss until Kobel's late blunder. Under pressure, his attempted pass went awry, allowing Atalanta to score from the spot. The final 4–1 scoreline confirmed Dortmund's exit from Europe's premier tournament.
After the game, Kobel took full responsibility for the error. He admitted, 'It was my fault' and expressed regret, saying 'I'm sorry for the lads'. Despite the setback, he remained determined, stating 'But at the end of the day, you have to get rid of it—no matter what'.
Teammates and staff rallied around the keeper. Manager Niko Kovač, sporting director Sebastian Kehl, and captain Emre Can all publicly backed Kobel in the aftermath. Looking forward, the Swiss shot-stopper shifted focus to the next challenge: a Bundesliga clash with league leaders Bayern Munich. 'Now we dust ourselves off and move on,' he declared.
Kobel's mistake directly led to Dortmund's Champions League elimination. The team now turns its attention to domestic competition, starting with a high-stakes match against Bayern. Support from the club's leadership suggests confidence in the goalkeeper's ability to recover from the setback.
