Champions League finalists in June, Borussia Dortmund's chances of reaching the competition next season look over after a 2-0 loss at RB Leipzig left them in 11th spot.

The hosts took the lead after 18 minutes when Xavi Simons tapped in a rebound after a Leipzig counter.

Lois Openda superbly volleyed home Simons' floated corner to double the lead just after half-time.

Dortmund laid siege to Leipzig's penalty area in the second half, hitting the crossbar three times, but could not break through despite a wealth of chances, with striker Serhou Guirassy spurning several good opportunities.

Dortmund will now need a miracle to avoid missing the Champions League for just the second time in the past 15 seasons.

Midfielder Pascal Gross admitted reaching the top four was "unrealistic".

"Big statements (about turning things around) are always easy, anyone can make them, but on the pitch we failed once again," he said.

Leipzig's win took them to fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Frankfurt, who play at Bochum on Sunday. Dortmund are seven points behind.

"You can't lose a game like that -- we beat ourselves, that's what happened today," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.