The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid took place Germany this evening.
Madrid entered the clash as the strong favourites to advance into the final four following a 3-0 victory when the pair met in the first leg at the Bernabeu last week.
Marco Reus scored twice in the first 45 minutes to take Dortmund to within one goal of the Spanish outfit in the tie.
However, it was not enough for the German outfit, who were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League quarter-final coverage continues on Sports Mole as Borussia Dortmund welcome Real Madrid to Germany for the second leg. If Dortmund are to book their spot in the semi-finals, they will need a minor miracle following a 3-0 loss to Madrid in the first leg at the Bernabeu last week. However, they have enjoyed recent success over Los Blancos.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Polish forward Robert Lewandowski returns to the Dortmund XI this evening after missing the first leg through suspension. Marco Reus also starts, while there are spots for Oliver Kurch and Milos Jojic. Madrid, meanwhile, leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. Marcelo is also unavailable, meaning that Fabio Coentrao starts at left-back. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
DORTMUND: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Friedrich, Hummels, Durm; Kirch, Jojic; Mkhitaryan, Groskreutz, Reus; Lewandowski
MADRID: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Modric, Alonso, Illarra; Di Maria, Benzema, Bale
So there we have it. Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp selects an attacking XI for this evening, with Mkhitaryan, Grosskreutz and Reus all joining Lewandowski in forward areas. Friedrich also comes into the team alongside Mats Hummels in central defence. As mentioned, Madrid have left Ronaldo on the bench due to recent injury troubles. As a result, Angel di Maria moves into a forward three alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
In terms of recent meetings, the two sides met four times last season in the Champions League, with Dortmund winning twice, Madrid picking up one victory and the further match ending in a draw. The German side won the first group match 2-1 on their own patch, before picking up a 2-2 draw in the Spanish capital.
The first leg of last year's semi-final took place in Germany, with Dortmund 4-1 winners. All four of Dortmund's goals came from Lewandowski, who returns to the side this evening following a European suspension. Los Blancos did win the second leg 2-0 with goals from Benzema and Sergio Ramos, but it was not enough as Dortmund progressed to Wembley, where they eventually lost to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.
Such is Madrid's position in this tie, the Spanish outfit could afford to lose 4-1 – which was the score when the pair last met in Germany – and still progress into the semi-finals of the competition. The nine-time European winners have slipped to third in La Liga in recent weeks, but are still fighting on three fronts – with the final of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona also to come later this month.
Dortmund's record against Spanish sides in Germany is played 11, won six, drawn three and lost two. Meanwhile, their record in two-legged ties reads won five and lost two. Dortmund have also won eight of their 13 UEFA competition ties in which they lost the first leg away from home, but the biggest margin that they have ever overturned is 2-0, which has occurred on three separate occasions.
The German side topped a group that included Napoli, Arsenal and Marseille in the early stages of the competition to set up a tie with Zenit St Petersburg in the round of 16. They lost the second leg at home, but progressed 5-4 on aggregate. Klopp's side were well worth their two-legged win over Los Blancos last season, but it would be fair to state that they have struggled to reach similar heights in this campaign.
Meanwhile, Klopp's side have been well off the record-breaking pace set by Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this season. As it stands, Dortmund sit second in their domestic league, an incredible 20 points behind champions Bayern and just three points ahead of third-place Schalke 04, who were beaten 9-2 on aggregate by Madrid in the Spanish side's Champions League quarter-final.
In terms of recent form, Dortmund have won three of their last five games in all competitions. They enter the match off the back of a 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg in the league at the weekend, but have shipped seven goals in their last three games. Following the clash this evening, Dortmund travel to Bayern in the league, which is certain to be a feisty affair as Dortmund attempt to consolidate second place in the table.
Madrid, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad. They remain third in La Liga behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but have won their last three in all competitions since suffering back-to-back league defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla, which took the destiny of the title out of their own hands.
Madrid, who are one of just two teams still unbeaten in the Champions League this season - the other being Atletico Madrid - also became the first team to score six times in a single knockout stage fixture when they beat Schalke 04 6-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash last month. Their progress into the next round was ensured with a 3-1 victory in the return leg at the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, it is nearly three years since Real Madrid last failed to score in a Champions League match – a run that stretches 34 matches. The Spanish outfit have also not been beaten in European competition since suffering that semi-final first-leg loss to Dortmund last season. Since then, they have won nine of their 10 matches, scoring 34 times in the process.
It would not be right to speak of this match without mentioning a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is only on the bench this evening. The Portuguese has scored 14 times in eight Champions League games this season, with that tally equalling Lionel Messi's haul in the 2011/12 campaign. Just one more strike in this season's competition would move the attacker to the head of the list for a single European Cup campaign.
What's more, Ronaldo has scored 49 times in 48 Champions League matches for Real Madrid, including 36 in his last 27. It is a truly stunning record at this level of football. His fellow 'BBC' members – Benzema and Bale, meanwhile, have also impressed. Benzema has five assists in the Champions League this season and Bale has three goals and three assists in Madrid's last three games in the competition.
Los Blancos have lost just four of their last 22 European matches on the road, but three of those defeats have arrived in Germany. In addition, the Spanish side have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in each of the last four seasons, but have not been to the final of the tournament since 2002.
Madrid have also progressed in 42 of their 55 European matches in which they won the first leg at home. They have never had a three-goal lead overturned, but have exited on seven occasions when holding a two-goal advantage. In total, their record in two-legged ties against German opposition is won 12 and lost eight.
PREDICTION: Dortmund have key players returning this evening and the absence of Ronaldo for Madrid will certainly hand the home side confidence. However, I am finding it difficult to make a case for the German outfit in the tie. I am predicting a 1-1 draw this evening, with Madrid advancing 4-1 on aggregate.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. There is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium, with that famous Champions League tune only adding to the noise. Right, the away side get the first period underway.
There really is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening as Madrid take control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Plenty happening in the middle of the park in the early exchanges with both sides showing their intent with a number of crunching challenges.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure thus far, but Madrid have seen more of the ball in the opening four minutes. No real intent from the Spanish side at the moment, with Ramos and Pepe more than happy to keep possession in their own half. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. Surely Dortmund have to strike first on their own patch.
It's smart work from Lewandowski as the Dortmund striker turns on the edge of the Madrid box, but Pepe is straight in the face of the Pole. Grosskreutz has possession on the left moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Casillas. Whistles from the crowd as Madrid play from defensive areas once more.
Dortmund want a free kick as Pepe challenges Reus on the edge of the Madrid box, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was a clear foul from the centre-back. Not too much in terms of chances in the opening eight minutes as Madrid labour forward once more before losing possession.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too readily in the final third. A loose pass from Di Maria hands the ball to Lewandowski, but the Pole cannot find the run of Kirch. Lewandowski has possession moments later outside the Madrid box, but Ramos clears.
Half-chance for Madrid as Pepe finds Di Maria down the right for Madrid, but the Argentine's low cross is cleared by Hummels at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered by Di Maria and flicked by Bale, but once more the danger is cleared. Dortmund break with Lewandowski, but the Pole's first touch is poor.
Well, 15 minutes on the clock and in truth, not too much has happened. Neither side has had an effort on goal, while Dortmund have struggled to find a tempo in the final third. Madrid, meanwhile, are comfortable as they continue to enjoy possession of the ball. You can already sense the nerves from the home supporters.
PENALTY REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid are awarded a penalty after 16 minutes as Piszczek is penalised for handball inside the box. Ronaldo is not on the field and therefore Di Maria will take.
SAVE! Weidenfeller dives low to save Di Maria's effort! Incredible scenes! The Argentine slipped and his effort never had enough power to beat the German goalkeeper.
Surely that will inspire Dortmund, who have struggled in the early stages this evening. A goal for Los Blancos at that stage would have surely ended the tie as a contest. Now, it is very much game on.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Dortmund as Reus dances into the box before finding Mkhitaryan, who drives a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post.
Well, not too much happened in the early exchanges this evening, but this match has now exploded into life. Dortmund are now very much on the front foot as the German side press with Lewandowski, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. Incredible atmosphere inside the stadium with 21 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Di Maria as the Argentine collects a pass from Modric before driving into the Dortmund box, but the attacker just loses control at the vital moment. Dortmund build another attack through Kirch, but it breaks down when Reus attempts to find Lewandowski. Still goalless on the night, but Dortmund are improving.
GOAL! Dortmund 1-0 Real Madrid (Reus)
Dortmund lead on the night as Reus rounds Casillas before slipping one into the bottom corner from close range. It was a horror moment from Pepe, whose back-header never had enough power to find his own goalkeeper.
Well, that changes things a bit! Suddenly Dortmund have hope. They need to score twice more to take this tie into extra-time, but the fans have now responded. What a tie we have on our hands as Piszczek just loses control inside the Madrid box at the vital moment. One-way traffic with 27 minutes on the clock.
Dortmund want a penalty as Lewandowski goes down inside the box under pressure from Ramos, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that the home side had a strong case. Ramos does pick up a yellow card, however, for the incident that followed. It is all happening in Germany with little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining. We have a real match on our hands here.
Half-chance for Benzema as the Los Blancos forward breaks beyond the Dortmund back four, but the Frenchman loses his footing just outside the box. Dortmund are down the other end with Piszczek moments later, but this time Coentrao is across to clear the danger. End-to-end football in this European contest in Germany.
CHANCE! Free kick for Dortmund just outside the Madrid box as Alonso, who is booked for his troubles, fells Reus. The resulting set piece is taken by Reus and met by Hummels, but his header is pushed over the crossbar by Casillas from close range. What an opportunity for the German centre-back.
Madrid just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Dortmund continue to force the issue in forward areas. Reus combines with Grosskreutz inside the Madrid box, but Ramos clears at the vital moment. Modric attempts to break moments later, but the Croatian cannot evade three yellow shirts in a central area.
GOAL! Dortmund 2-0 Real Madrid (Reus)
Incredible scenes in Germany as Dortmund score their second. Lewandowski's effort from close range hits the post, but Reus is on hand to smash into the back of the net for his second of the match. Dortmund need just one more to take this one into extra-time. Madrid are shaken here there is no question about that.
Los Blancos just cannot get in the match at the moment as another attack breaks down in the final third. Sensational noise inside the stadium as Lewandowki is found by Reus once more, but the striker cannot control. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining in Germany. What a tie!
Madrid lost 4-1 in this stadium last season and they are having some problems once more this evening. Dortmund continue to pass and probe in the latter stages of the half, with Madrid struggling to break even when they gain possession of the ball. Just one more Dortmund goal and we are all square in the tie.
Another half-chance for the home side as Reus strikes one from outside the box, but it is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered by the two-goal attacker, but Illarra clears.
Another penalty shout for Dortmund as Kirch goes down inside the Madrid box, but the referee is not interested. Still Madrid cannot get out as the pressure continues from the German outfit.
HALF-TIME: Dortmund 2-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Dortmund leading 2-0 on the night courtesy of two goals from Marco Reus. It has been a bit of a horror show from Madrid thus far, with Di Maria missing an early penalty for the Spanish outfit, who still lead 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-final.
STATISTICS: Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 51%, but the Spanish outfit have managed just one attempt on target thus far. Dortmund, meanwhile, have had six attempts - three of which have been on target. As it stands, the home side need one goal to take this tie into extra-time.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Aubameyang, Hofmann and Marvin Duksch. Madrid, meanwhile, have a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in reserve. Boss Carlo Ancelotti also has the likes of Alvaro Morata and Isco on his bench this evening.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Dortmund are in control of the match, but one goal for Madrid would place the Spanish outfit in a strong position in the tie. I have a feeling that you will not want to miss the second 45 minutes. Dortmund get the action underway on their own patch.
One change for Madrid at the interval with Isco entering the field in place of Illarra, who struggled in the first 45 minutes. Dortmund, however, go with the same XI in the second period. It goes without saying that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of this contest. Can Madrid respond?
Early possession for Los Blancos in the opening minutes of the second period, but they are still struggling to threaten Dortmund in forward areas. Bale comes close to meeting a header from Hummels, but the Dortmund stopper is out to claim at the vital moment. It remains 2-0 Dortmund on the night and 3-2 Madrid overall.
CHANCE! Madrid's best chance of the evening falls to Bale following bright work on the edge of the Dortmund box, but his effort is beaten away by Weidenfeller. Much better from Los Blancos.
Alonso is perhaps lucky to remain on the field following a late challenge on Mkhitaryan, with the referee not producing a second yellow card, much to the horror of the home supporters. Madrid continue to enjoy their best spell of the match as Isco breaks into the Dortmund half, but Hummels is across to clear once more.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. There is no question that Madrid have improved, however, with Dortmund yet to threaten in the second 45 minutes. It remains 2-0 Dortmund on the night and 3-2 Madrid on aggregate.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Dortmund have started to force the issue once more. Just a reminder that the home side need to score one more to take this into extra-time. Little over 30 minutes of this Champions League quarter-final second leg to play in Germany.
Isco has possession on the left for Madrid before floating a cross into the Dortmund box, but there is no obvious target in a white shirt. Dortmund break moments later with Reus, but Carvajal is across to clear the danger. Bale has a half-chance in the next attack, but the Welshman places one just wide of the far post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Benzema as the French forward is found by Modric, who rounds the Dortmund goalkeeper, but Hummels is across to clear at the vital moment. What a chance for the away side.
Reus attempts to force the issue for Dortmund as the German strikes one from outside the box, but Pepe is on hand to make the block. Bale breaks moments later as Madrid regain possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that another goal will soon arrive. Little over 25 minutes of this European contest remaining.
Sickening clash of heads between Carvajal and Grosskreutz as both players challenge for the ball inside the Madrid box. However, both will be fit to continue in Germany. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. Will Ronaldo make an appearance for Madrid in the latter stages?
POST! Oh my word! Wonderful chance for the home side as Reus slides a low pass towards Mkhitaryan, who rounds Casillas before sliding one towards the bottom corner, but his effort smashes the post.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as Isco drives down the left before delivering a cross towards Benzema, but the French forward cannot rise inside the box. Little over 20 minutes remaining and still Dortmund lead 2-0, but as it stands, Madrid will advance into the semi-finals this evening.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Mkhitaryan as the Dortmund attacker strikes one from inside the box, but Casillas is across to make the save. How many chances has he had this evening?!
SAVE! Sensational goalkeeping from Casillas as the Madrid goalkeeper denies Grosskreutz from close range. Madrid have their Spanish stopper to thank for keeping them in this match at the moment.
Madrid just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the pressure continues from Dortmund, who need one more goal. Reus delivers a low cross into the Madrid box, but Casillas saves once more. Little over 15 minutes of this European contest remaining. It has been a stunning contest in Germany this evening.
SUB! Madrid make their second change of the match as Casemiro enters the field in place of Di Maria, who has struggled to get in the match after missing a penalty in the early stages.
Dortmund want a penalty as Reus goes down inside the Madrid box under pressure from Carvajal, but the referee instead books the German international for diving, which is the correct decision. Still Dortmund force the issue, with Madrid struggling to keep the ball. Los Blancos have really struggled this evening.
Little over 10 minutes of this second leg remaining and Madrid continue to hold on. Carlo Ancelotti has one change remaining, but I suspect that he will keep Ronaldo in reserve if this match goes to extra-time. Dortmund enjoy possession once more, but Coentrao manages to hook clear under pressure from Reus.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for Madrid as Benzema finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but the Dortmund goalkeeper is across to save at the vital moment.
SUB! Change for the home side as Aubameyang replaces Piszczek, who gave away the first-half penalty this evening. It is all or nothing for Dortmund in the final 10 minutes.
Benzema goes alone once more for the away side following some bright work down the left, but his effort is wide of the post. It remains 2-0 Dortmund with little over five minutes remaining. Is there to be late drama?
Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as Dortmund press and press for this third goal. Madrid have sunk into a defensive shape, but you just get the feeling that chances will arrive in the latter stages. Los Blancos attempt to break with Isco once more, but Durm is across to clear at the vital moment.
Madrid ease the pressure with a counter from Coentrao, but the left-back's cross is straight into the arms of the Dortmund goalkeeper. Isco breaks once more moments later, but Grosskreutz - now playing at right-back - is across to make the clearance. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in Germany.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Bale to put Madrid into the semi-finals following a through pass from Benzema, but Weidenfeller is across to make a wonderful save. Moments later, Isco curls one just wide of the post from inside the box.
We are into the second minute of additional time and Madrid have a free kick inside their own box. Time is running out for Dortmund, who look to be exiting the competition this evening.
SUB! Third and final change for Madrid as Varane replaces Benzema. Time is running out.
FULL-TIME: Dortmund 2-0 Madrid (Madrid win 3-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The night belongs to Dortmund, but Madrid are through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction from what has been an incredible night in Germany. Good evening!
