Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to visitors VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in a disappointing debut for new coach Niko Kovac that dropped his team further away from the Champions League qualification spots.

Dortmund fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Stuttgart on Saturday, losing more ground on the Bundesliga's top four as they now sit in 11th, six points behind their opponents.

There are three points between BVB in 11th place and VfB Stuttgart in 5th place. The Borussia Dortmund will welcome VfB Stuttgart with Stergiou, Rieder and Jaquez for the crucial game.

Bayer Leverkusen has been dealt a major blow to its Bundesliga title defense, and Borussia Dortmund’s malaise has continued through Niko Kovač’s debut as coach.

DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) -Ten-man Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to visitors VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in a disappointing debut for new coach Niko Kovac that dropped his team further away from the Champions League qualification spots.

Niko Kovac's debut as Borussia Dortmund coach didn't go according to plan, as his team fell to a 1-2 defeat to VfB Stuttgart at home on Saturday. Despite the defeat, Kovac found praise for his team

Borussia Dortmund need a quick turnaround after their latest setback when they travel to Lisbon for Tuesday's Champions League play-off date at Sporting. Dortmund are coming off a 2-1 home defeat in the Bundesliga against VfB Stuttgart in what was the debut match of their new coach Niko Kovac.