Borussia Dortmund won an away leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie for just the third time in their last 13 attempts as they defeated Sporting CP 3-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Borussia Dortmund delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat Sporting CP 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie at Estadio Jose Alvalade. It was a crucial away victory for Die Schwarzgelben, marking just their third win in their last 13 Champions League knockout away legs.
Sporting CP entered the match with optimism, despite a four-game winless streak at the end of the league phase. Making it into the knockout rounds is a rare achievement for the Portuguese side, and they hoped to capitalize on home advantage against an inconsistent Dortmund side. Meanwhile, the visitors were looking to shake off their Bundesliga struggles and prove their credentials in Europe.
Sporting Start Strong but Fail to Convert Chances
The home side began the match with energy, pressing high and creating the better opportunities in the first half. The first big chance came in the 15th minute when Maximiliano Araujo unleashed a powerful shot from distance, only to see it rattle the crossbar.
Sporting’s pressure continued as they searched for an opener. Eight minutes before halftime, Joao Simoes found himself in a promising position inside the box after receiving a well-placed cross from Harder. However, his shot was directed straight at Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made a comfortable save.
Despite their control in the first half, Sporting failed to capitalize, and Dortmund knew they had to step up after the break.
Dortmund Takes Over in the Second Half
The visitors returned to the pitch with renewed intensity, pushing forward and testing Sporting’s defensive resilience. Karim Adeyemi came close with a long-range effort from 25 yards out, forcing Rui Silva into a save.
The game needed a spark, and Dortmund’s prolific forward Serhou Guirassy delivered it. In the 55th minute, Julian Brandt whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right, and Guirassy rose above his marker to send a looping header past Rui Silva into the net. It was his 10th goal of this Champions League campaign, drawing level with goal-scoring greats Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.
Guirassy and Gross Extend Dortmund’s Lead
With the breakthrough goal in their favor, Dortmund gained momentum and struck again just eight minutes later. This time, Guirassy turned provider, delivering a perfect cross into the box that found Pascal Gross. The German midfielder controlled the ball with his thigh before calmly slotting it past Silva, doubling Dortmund’s lead and leaving Sporting shell-shocked.
Guirassy again #UCL pic.twitter.com/eKEzRKc8Fn
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 11, 2025
The hosts attempted to respond but found it difficult to break through Dortmund’s disciplined defense. Sporting’s best efforts were met with resistance, as Kobel and his backline remained firm.
Adeyemi Seals the Win for Dortmund
As the match entered its final stages, Dortmund completed their statement performance with a third goal. In the 82nd minute, the visitors launched a lightning-fast counterattack, catching Sporting off guard. Karim Adeyemi, who had been lively throughout the second half, received a through ball in stride, raced past the last defender, and finished clinically past Rui Silva to put the game out of reach.
Dortmund’s flawless second-half display ensured a 3-0 victory, giving them a commanding lead heading into the second leg.
Sporting Faces a Mountain to Climb
With this defeat, Sporting CP now faces a monumental challenge if they are to qualify for the last 16 for just the second time since the 2008/09 season. They must produce a near-perfect performance in the return leg in Germany to have any hope of overturning the deficit.
For Borussia Dortmund, the win keeps their dream of reaching another Champions League final alive. Their strong form in this season’s competition remains intact, and they will look to carry this momentum into the second leg and beyond. The return fixture at Signal Iduna Park promises to be another intense battle, with Sporting needing a miracle to stage a comeback.
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