Borussia Dortmund secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, completing a 3-0 aggregate victory.

Karim Adeyemi (top) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Rui Silva, goalkeeper of Sporting CP, during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP in Dortmund, Germany, Feb. 19, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

Dortmund controlled the ball early, looking to break down a well-organized Sporting defense, while the visitors slowly found their rhythm but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Marcel Sabitzer had Dortmund's best opportunity of the first half, firing a powerful shot from 18 meters, but Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva produced a fine save to tip it around the post in the 30th minute.

The second half saw Dortmund increase their attacking intensity. Daniel Svensson tested Silva with a curling shot from distance, and Nico Schlotterbeck's perfectly weighted pass set up Karim Adeyemi for a one-on-one chance. Adeyemi tried to round Silva, but the goalkeeper's late challenge resulted in a penalty. However, Serhou Guirassy's effort from the spot was saved by Silva in the 59th minute.

Sporting's best chance came shortly after, when substitute Alexandre Brito unleashed a powerful strike that narrowly missed Gregor Kobel's post.

In the 73rd minute, Dortmund thought they had broken the deadlock when Emre Can scored with a header from a set-piece, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

"It was a controlled progression, I would say. But we still must learn how to win these games," said Dortmund captain Can. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)