Dortmund boss Niko Kovac defends Jobe Bellingham after Der Klassiker error

Bellingham, who joined Dortmund from Sunderland prior to the start of the season in a high-profile transfer, misjudged a sharp cross from Luis Diaz in the 78th minute. The ball got caught under his feet, allowing Bayern's Michael Olise to pounce and score their second goal - the eventual winner.

Despite Dortmund pulling one back through Julian Brandt in the closing minutes, the visitors couldn't recover. The loss leaves Dortmund seven points off leaders Bayern, who remain unbeaten at the top of the Bundesliga.

Much of the post-match focus centered on Bellingham, who has been under pressure as the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. But Kovac was quick to absolve the 20-year-old of blame.

"I can't find any fault with Jobe," Kovac said. "He was standing where he needed to be. The ball was played in so sharply - it was an artistic feat in its own right that he didn't score an own-goal. Olise just took advantage of a split second. That's not a simple situation."

Kovac also criticised the officiating, arguing that Harry Kane's opening goal should have been disallowed for a push on Serhou Guirassy.

"The referee whistled everything today - he should have whistled that too," he said.

Despite the result, Kovac praised Dortmund's second-half performance and remained confident in Bellingham's development as he adjusts to life in Germany. 

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