Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 9:40

"And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even unto the entrance of the gate." — Judges 9:40 (ASV)

Abimelech chased him ... —He won a complete victory; but Gaal and his forces were able to secure themselves in Shechem. They succeeded in closing the gates against Abimelech, but only at the cost of many lives.