Borussia Dortmund Knock Out Lille to Reach Champions League Quarter-Finals

Another German team has reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Borussia Dortmund claimed a 2–1 away victory over Lille and will continue their quest in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

It was not all smooth sailing, however. With Gregor Kobel in goal, Dortmund fell behind in the fifth minute in bizarre fashion. Ismaily made a surging run down the left before delivering a pass into the box. Jonathan David mis-hit attempt still found its way into the net, somehow slipping between Kobel’s legs, providing a moment likely destined for blooper reels.

Despite taking the lead, Lille failed to build on their advantage. Borussia Dortmund soon seized the initiative, creating a flurry of opportunities through the likes of Julian Ryerson, Gross, and Nico Schlotterbeck. Unfortunate finishing and stellar goalkeeping from Chevalier ensured the hosts took a slender 1–0 lead into the break.

Yet that advantage didn’t last long. On 54 minutes, Thomas Meunier brought down Serhou Guirassy in the penalty area, allowing Emre Can to coolly level from the spot at 1–1. Dortmund continued to push forward, finally taking the lead in the 65th minute. A moment of individual brilliance from Bayer (capitalizing on confusion inside the box) beat the outstanding Chevalier for the second time.

Desperate to force extra time, Lille threw men forward and made several substitutions, but Borussia Dortmund remained the more threatening side. With the final whistle came confirmation of the German club’s place in the last eight, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Barcelona. Notably, Dortmund reached the final just last year and now have another shot at Europe’s most coveted prize.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Lille - Borussia D 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: David J., 5 (1:0); Can E., 54 (penalty) (1:1); Beier M., 65 (1:2)

Lille: Chevalier L.; Alexsandro; Diakité B.; Ismaily (Gudmundsson G., 67); Meunier; Mukau (Andre Gomes, 83); Andre B.; Bouaddi (Fernandez Pardo, 74); Cabella (Akpom, 67); Haraldsson (Sahraoui, 83); David J.
Bench: Caillard; Mannone; Bakker M.; Cossier; Mandi; Gomes An.; Mbappé E.
Yellow Cards: Meunier 52; Mukau 83

Borussia D: Kobel; Anton (Bensebaini, 72); Ryerson; Schlotterbeck N.; Can E.; Brandt (Chukwuemeka C., 85); Groß (Özcan Sa., 85); Sabitzer; Adeyemi K. (Bynoe-Gittens, 78); Beier M. (Reyna G., 85); Guirassy
Bench: Meyer A.; Süle; Kabar; Couto; Wätjen; Duranville
Yellow Cards: Anton 32; Groß 51