Borussia Dortmund advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a composed performance against Sporting Lisbon. Despite a missed penalty by Serhou Guirassy, the German side comfortably maintained their lead from the first leg, securing an aggregate score of 3-0. The match saw limited chances for both teams, highlighting the dominance of Dortmund and the struggles faced by Sporting due to injuries. With this victory, Dortmund now awaits their next opponent in the knockout stages.
On a chilly evening in Germany, Dortmund demonstrated their control over the game right from the start. The young Sporting Lisbon team, already hampered by several injuries, found it challenging to mount any significant pressure on their opponents. Dortmund's defense remained largely untroubled throughout the match, while their midfielders occasionally tested Sporting's goalkeeper Rui Silva. Marcel Sabitzer nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful shot that was deftly tipped away by Silva, showcasing the Portuguese keeper's alertness.
The second half brought a pivotal moment when Sporting's goalkeeper was penalized for fouling Karim Adeyemi inside the box. This presented Dortmund with a golden opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot. However, Guirassy's attempt was brilliantly saved by Silva, denying the striker what would have been his eleventh goal in this season's competition. Despite this setback, Dortmund did not panic, maintaining their composure and strategic play.
Late in the game, Gio Reyna entered as a substitute and almost made an immediate impact, hitting the post with a promising effort. Yet, the overall tempo of the match remained subdued, with Sporting failing to register a single shot on target. The Portuguese champions lacked the necessary ambition and creativity to challenge Dortmund's advantage, leading to a relatively quiet night for Niko Kovac's team. Ultimately, Dortmund's progression was secured without much fuss, setting the stage for their next European adventure.