Jobe Bellingham under fire as Dortmund stumble at Tottenham

A Champions League night meant to steady Borussia Dortmund instead became an uncomfortable spotlight on Jobe Bellingham, as the Bundesliga side slipped to a 2–0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur.

Dortmund arrived in north London as narrow favourites, with Spurs struggling domestically and pressure building around their dugout. Yet by full-time, it was the hosts who looked sharper, more assured, and closer to sealing a top-eight finish in the competition’s league phase.

Cristian Romero’s opener shifted the tone early, before a second-half red card for Daniel Svensson — following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Wilson Odobert — left Dortmund chasing shadows. Dominic Solanke’s composed finish shortly after effectively ended the contest.

For Niko Kovač’s side, the problems ran deeper than the scoreline. Dortmund struggled to progress the ball cleanly, lacked incision between the lines, and failed to create meaningful chances even before going down to ten men. Tottenham, sensing vulnerability, managed the game efficiently after the break.

The result leaves Dortmund hovering around the play-off positions, increasing the likelihood of an additional knockout tie in an already congested calendar.

Much of the post-match conversation, however, centred on Jobe Bellingham. The 20-year-old midfielder endured a difficult evening, finding little rhythm in possession and struggling to influence the game as Dortmund lost control.

Online reaction was swift and unforgiving, with some supporters questioning whether his surname continues to shape expectations. Comparisons with his brother Jude — now a Champions League winner and La Liga title holder at Real Madrid — remain unavoidable, but also increasingly unhelpful.

Having followed Dortmund closely this season, there have been signs of progress in Jobe’s all-round game, particularly in transitional moments. However, consistency at elite European level remains elusive, and nights like this inevitably sharpen external criticism.

Jobe’s move from Sunderland last summer was viewed internally as a development step rather than an instant-stardom project. Yet Dortmund’s competitive demands, combined with their Champions League ambitions, allow little margin for adaptation.

Earlier reports of family frustration over his minutes only added to the narrative, though club sources insist the coaching staff remain confident in his long-term trajectory. Still, the gap between patience and pressure is narrowing.

Beyond individual performances, Dortmund’s broader picture is becoming more complicated. Bayern Munich hold an 11-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga, and while the title race is not mathematically settled, margin for error is disappearing quickly.

European progression now carries added importance — financially and psychologically — especially with domestic ground to make up.

Dortmund’s immediate focus turns back to domestic action with a trip to Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon. For Jobe Bellingham, the fixture offers a chance to reset away from the European glare and reassert himself within a familiar league context.

Much will depend on selection choices and midfield balance, but a measured response — rather than reactionary judgement — will be key as Dortmund navigate a decisive stretch of their season.

Is Jobe Bellingham being judged too harshly this early in his Dortmund career?