BOCHUM (Reuters) – Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund’s title chances suffered a serious blow after they stumbled to a 1-1 draw at struggling VfL Bochum in the mini Ruhr derby.
With four games left to play, Dortmund are on 61 points, two points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich, who will take over the lead if they beat bottom club Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
Dortmund looked far from serious contenders, chasing their first Bundesliga title in 11 years, struggling to break down a solid Bochum defense.
They also were left fuming with the referee and VAR following two claims for penalties late in the game.
“It is very bitter for us. It was an intense game but we had our chances,” said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.
The visitors found themselves 1-0 down after five minutes following Anthony Losilla’s thunderous strike from just outside the box.
Yet Bochum’s joy only lasted two minutes as unmarked Karim Adeyemi tapped in at the far post for the equalizer.
But the goal failed to inject any sense of urgency into Dortmund’s game, with Terzic desperately shouting on from the sidelines.
They thought they had earned a spot kick when Adeyemi was brought down in the box in the 65th minute but the referee waved play on.