Borussia Dortmund's dreams of progressing in this season's Champions League were dashed after a significant 4:1 defeat by Atalanta in the second leg of their playoff match, allowing the Italian side to overturn a first-leg deficit of 0:2. Coach Niko Kovač did not shy away from accountability, stating that conceding four goals at this level made it nearly impossible to advance. He expressed disappointment at his team's inability to maintain their performance, particularly after an encouraging home match, emphasizing that they should have handled the pressure better as a Bundesliga team.

Sports director Sebastian Kehl echoed Kovač's sentiments, criticizing the team's performance by noting their failure to capitalize on opportunities presented during various phases of the game. Kehl stated that although the team attempted to rally back, conceding four goals in such a high-stakes match is simply unacceptable. His remarks point towards a need for introspection within the club as they assess their tactics and mental fortitude in international competitions.

This defeat not only ends Dortmund's journey in the Champions League for this season but also serves as a wake-up call for the players and coaching staff alike. The pressure is now on Kovač and his team to rebuild and learn from this experience, with a focus on improving their competitiveness on both national and European fronts. As they look ahead, the challenges of bouncing back from this disappointment will be critical for their upcoming Bundesliga fixtures and potential future tournaments.