Borussia Dortmund welcomed Real Madrid to Germany for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.
The home side were ahead after just eight minutes when Robert Lewandowski tapped home after good work from Mario Gotze.
However, Madrid were level moments before the interval when Cristiano Ronaldo was given the easy task of finding the back of the net from a Gonzalo Higuain cross.
Dortmund were back ahead early in the second period when Lewandowski scored his second from inside the box and the Pole completed his hat-trick with a fine finish moments later.
The striker was not finished there, however, as he scored his fourth from the spot after Xabi Alonso had brought down Marco Reus in the box.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well, if this match is anything like Bayern Munich’s 4-0 drubbing of Barcelona last night then we will be in for a real treat. Surely Bayern have done enough to book their spot at Wembley next month, but the second place is very much up for grabs. One thing is for certain, Dortmund will not be overawed by their illustrious opponents this evening.
As mentioned, the two sides have already met in the group stages of the competition this season. It was Dortmund that picked up a 2-1 win in their home tie, while they secured an impressive 1-1 draw in Spain. If that pattern of results follows this time around, then Dortmund will book their spot in the final.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Sven Bender comes into the Dortmund team this evening in place of Nuri Sahin, who drops to the bench. Mario Gotze also starts, while Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic are named at the heart of the defence. Madrid, meanwhile, recall Luka Modric in place of Angel di Maria, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain also starting. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
DORTMUND: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer; Blaszczykowski, Bender, Gundogan, Gotze; Lewandowski, Reus
MADRID: Lopez; Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric, Khedira; Ozil, Ronaldo, Higuain
Dortmund are remarkably the only unbeaten side left in the competition this season. However, despite that impressive record, they have only won one of their six competitive matches with Real Madrid – suffering two defeats and picking up three draws. That said, they are unbeaten in their last three against the Spanish heavyweights.
The last time Dortmund reached this stage of the Champions League was in the 1997-1998 season, when they were eliminated by Real Madrid. Meanwhile, this is the third consecutive season that Madrid have reached the semi-final stage of the competition. But they were eliminated by German opposition – Bayern Munich – at this stage last season.
Dortmund also enter the match boasting a stunning home record in the Champions League this season, having won all five of their fixtures in this stadium. That run of results will certainly hand them confidence, coupled with the fact that Real Madrid have won just one of their last 24 away games in Germany. That victory came against Bayer Leverkusen in September 2000.
The Spanish outfit have also lost each of their last five matches in Germany, but they have a remarkable away scoring record, having found the back of the net in their last 17 Champions League fixtures on the road. The last time they failed to score on their travels in this competition was back in February 2010 against Lyon.
The facts also suggest that we will have an open match this evening, with Real Madrid’s matches this season producing the highest amount of goals in the competition. They have scored 23 goals, but conceded 14 times. Meanwhile, they have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home in Europe this season. Goals anyone?!
A quick word on Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who is expected to depart Spain at the end of the season. Say what you like about the Portuguese and his personality, but his record in this competition is just outstanding. This is the seventh time in the last 10 seasons that he has ushered a side into the semi-final stage of the Champions League. Incredible achievement.
Real Madrid will once more look to Cristiano Ronaldo for goals this evening with the Portuguese skipper netting 10 times in the Champions League thus far. The former Manchester United is also chasing another record, however. Should he score this evening, he will equal the record of Marouane Chamakh and Burak Yilmaz of scoring in six European matches in a row.
However, Dortmund boast some stunning attacking options of their own. Mario Gotze will join Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but he will be keen to go out on a high. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus have also been sensational this season. That attacking trident should cause all sorts of problems to the Real Madrid back four this evening.
Right, let’s take a look at how each side has made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Dortmund. The German outfit finished top of Group D, winning four and drawing two of their six matches. They faced much-fancied Shakhtar Donetsk in the last-16 stage, but they drew the first leg 2-2 before winning 3-0 in Germany.
As mentioned, it was Malaga that waited in the quarter-finals. They secured a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Spain, but they found it tough in Germany, needing two late goals to advance to this stage. They will have gained confidence from that comeback, but that was Malaga. This is Real Madrid. A different animal entirely.
Madrid, meanwhile, finished second behind Dortmund in Group D, but they were far from impressive, winning just three of their six matches, drawing twice and losing once. That said, they were also up against English champions Manchester City and Ajax. Manchester United waited in the last-16 stage, but they won 2-1 at Old Trafford to book their spot in the last eight.
Mourinho’s side were paired with Galatasaray in the quarter-finals, with the Turkish outfit the dark horses for the competition. The Spanish side made light work of Gala in the first leg, triumphing 3-0, while a 3-2 defeat in Turkey was enough to book their spot in the semi-final stage once more.
What about domestic form? Dortmund are way off the pace in the Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich already securing the title with five matches remaining. However, they have won each of their last four matches in the league, scoring 12 times in their last three. Despite that run of form, Bayern sit 20 points clear.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have also had to play second fiddle in the league this season, currently trailing leaders Barcelona by 13 points. However, they too have been in good form in recent weeks with 11 goals in their last three league matches. With the Copa del Rey final also to come, it could yet be a successful season for the club.
A final thought to leave with you before kickoff. Has this season’s Champions League demonstrated the decline of the Premier League and Serie A? Few would argue that Barcelona, Bayern, Real and Dortmund are the best four teams in Europe on current form, but now the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United and Manchester City simply have to respond.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will get the action underway. Just about time for my prediction - I am backing a 2-2 draw this evening.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Bender comes into the Dortmund team in place of Sahin, while Gotze also starts despite his impending move to Bayern Munich. Madrid, meanwhile, recall Luka Modric in place of Angel di Maria. Right, the away side get the action underway on this famous night of football.
These two sides have scored over 200 goals between them this season. Let's hope that we see an open affair this evening. Early half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Dortmund have possession moments later, but Gotze's ball towards Reus is cleared by the head of Pepe.
It's good work from Lewandowski as the Pole collects a pass from Gotze before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Coentrao is across to make the clearance. The Portuguese finds Alonso in midfield, but Bender is immediately on the scene. Another cross comes into the Madrid box moments later, but once more Pepe is across to clear. Bright opening from the home side.
Scrappy last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. There is going to be a real battle in the midfield area this evening with Khedira and Gundogan both prepared to put their foot in. Not too much in terms of chances in the opening six minutes, but Dortmund have had most of the possession in the Madrid half.
CHANCE! It's really smart work from Madrid as Alonso collects possession outside the Dortmund box before feeding Modric, but the Croatian takes a fresh-air shot. Dortmund are down the other end moments later, with Reus testing Lopez from close range, Lewandowski collects the rebound, but the angle was always against him.
GOAL! Dortmund 1-0 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
Dortmund lead! It’s wonderful work from Gotze as the German delivers a low cross into the box, with Lewandowski first on the scene to tap home from close range. The leading scorer in the Bundesliga has come up trumps this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Lewandowski fires a free kick into the box, but it just moves wide of the target. Madrid are really under pressure here. A half-chance comes for the away side as Ozil finds Ronaldo down the right, but the ball just runs away at the vital moment. More frustration for the Spanish outfit.
It has been a good response from Madrid with Ozil and Modric seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. Again Modric is involved as he combines with Alonso before slipping a low pass to Ronaldo, but the offside flag is raised. Reus has a long-range strike down the other end, but it moves wide of the post.
Alonso is having serious trouble with Gotze at the moment as the Spaniard fells the German outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken short, but the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that Madrid need to settle in the next five or so minutes. Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium with 15 minutes on the clock.
More frustration for the away side as Ronaldo is penalised for a foul on Hummels. Gotze is involved down the right once more, but Coentrao is across to make the clearance. Madrid attempt to break with Higuain, but the Argentine is quelled by Subotic. Slightly sloppy passing from both sides in the last couple of moments.
Dortmund's width is causing all sorts of problems at the moment with Blaszczykowski and Gotze forcing the issue in wide areas. Eventually Madrid have a period of sustained possession in the Dortmund half, but they just cannot find a way through this stern defence. Mourinho looks unmoved on the sideline, however, he has seen it all before.
Ronaldo is the target for Ramos as the Spaniard delivers a cross into the box, but it was always too high for the Portuguese. Just a few signs that Madrid are starting to get to grips with the possession, but each team is equally as dangerous on the counter. Not too much for the Madrid supporters to get excited about, however, with 21 minutes on the clock.
Alonso just has not found his passing range thus far as another ball towards Ronaldo moves out of play. It's better from the Spaniard moments later as he combines with Ronaldo before slipping a low pass towards Higuain, but Weidenfeller is out to claim at the vital moment. Fascinating tactical battle between these two European rivals.
Half-chance for the Spanish outfit as Bender is penalised for handball outside the box. Ronaldo takes on the free kick, but Weidenfeller is on hand to make the save. It was on target, but it never really had enough power to worry the stopper. Dortmund break with Reus down the other end, but Varane is across to clear the danger.
Again it's really bright work from Reus as the German darts past two defenders before finding Lewandowski in the box, but Varane is across to clear at the vital moment. Schmelzer picks up the pieces, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Ronaldo is again involved for Madrid as he collects a pass from Modric, but Piszczek is across to fell the Portuguese. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Alonso, but Hummels is on hand to make a towering header. Again Dortmund break, but the final pass is just short. Both of these sides are just stunning on the counter.
The Dortmund fans want a card as Ronaldo collides with Weidenfeller, but the referee is not interested. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Madrid are certainly seeing more of the possession. Another free kick arrives outside the box, but Alonso's delivery fails to beat the first man.
Again it's dominant goalkeeping from Weidenfeller as the big German punches an Alonso free kick out of the area. Gotze attempts to craft something down the right as he beats Coentrao before delivering a cross to the near post, but Lopez is on hand to collect. Both sides are comfortable in possession, but still no real chances with 33 minutes on the clock.
It's wonderful work from Reus as the German beats Coentrao before driving into the box, but his final cross just would not fall for Lewandowski. The crowd have just become slightly subdued in the last five minutes or so with Madrid enjoying the most of the possession. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Dortmund come alive once more as Reus beats Modric before feeding a pass towards Schmelzer, but it just moved out of play. The home side want a penalty moments later as Lewandowski is pulled down in the box, but the referee is not interested. Ronaldo has possession down the other end moments later, but the Portuguese is forced to go back to his defence.
Another half-chance for the away side as Higuain delivers a cross into the box, but it was always too high for Ronaldo, who turns away in disappointment. Not too many surprises in the way this first period has developed. Madrid would have expected this kind of start. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Dortmund.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side forcing the issue in the final third. A half-chance almost arrives for Gotze from a quick throw, but the German just cannot make contact in time. Madrid pass and probe outside the box down the other end, but again it comes to nothing with Coentrao firing his cross over the bar.
It's really bright work from the away side as Ozil finds the run of Ronaldo down the left, the Portuguese pulls it back to Alonso, who strikes a powerful effort, but Hummels is on hand to make the block. Dortmund want a penalty moments later when Reus hits the deck, but the referee is not interested.
GOAL! Dortmund 1-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Oh my word! One moment Dortmund want a penalty, the next Ronaldo has the ball in the back of the net. It's a horror mistake from Hummels who presents the ball straight to Higuain, the Argentine squares for Ronaldo, who taps home from close range.
Ronaldo has now scored in his last six Champions League matches in a row. Dortmund have lost concentration here with their minds still on that penalty appeal. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Dortmund 1-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Lewandowski handed Dortmund the lead after eight minutes, but Ronaldo levelled moments before the break. Dortmund have been left fuming, meanwhile, by the referee's decision to turn down a penalty appeal. What a half of football in Dortmund.
STATISTICS: The away side have shaded the possession with 57%, but they have managed just two attempts to Dortmund's three. That said, both of Madrid's efforts have been on target. The German outfit certainly started the match the stronger, but Madrid will argue that they deserved their equaliser.
BENCH WATCH: Both sides have an embarrassment of riches on the sidelines this evening. Dortmund have the likes of Moritz Leitner, Nuri Sahin and Kevin Grosskreutz in reserve. Meanwhile, Madrid could call upon the likes of Karim Benzema, Kaka, Jose Callejon and Angel di Maria. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising based on what we have seen thus far. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. Dortmund get the half underway.
Early half-chance for the home side as Lewandowski drives into the Madrid box, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. Another high ball comes towards the Polish striker moments later, but the offside flag is raised. You just get the feeling that Dortmund need to take a lead to Spain next week.
Another nervy moment for Hummels as he hands possession straight to Higuain, but the German is on hand to make a recovering challenge. It's good work down the Dortmund left with Gotze and Reus both involved, but Coentrao is across to clear for a corner. Bright start to the half from the German outfit.
Almost a glorious chance for the away side as Lopez finds the run of Ozil, but the German just cannot collect under pressure from Subotic. Gundogan is involved down the other end as he slides a pass into the box, but Ramos is across to clear.
GOAL! Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
Dortmund lead! Again it's controversial as Lewandowski scores his second from close range. The Madrid defenders want a flag, but the linesman is unmoved. The Pole has his second of the evening. We shall soon see a replay of the incident.
End-to-end football at the moment with both sides committing players to each attack. Coentrao is down the left for Madrid one moment, but the Portuguese loses possession before Reus picks the wrong pass down the other end. Meanwhile, Lewandowski was indeed onside. Brilliant decision from the linesman.
Manchester United are keen to sign Lewandowski at the end of the season, from this performance it is easy to see why. Not just his goals, but his all-round display has been wonderful. Another half-chance for the home side moments later, but Blaszczykowski can only fire over the crossbar from close range.
GOAL! Dortmund 3-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
Stunning, just stunning. Unbelievable from Lewandowski as the Pole takes one touch in the box before thumping his effort into the top corner. What a fabulous strike from one of the top strikers in world football.
Madrid pick up their first booking of the evening as Khedira is shown a card for a challenge on Subotic. The pressure continues from the home side as Reus makes a late run into the box, but this time the German is offside. Madrid have just gone into their shell in the last couple of moments. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining. Madrid are in trouble here.
Half-chance for the away side as Modric strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always comfortable for the Dortmund stopper. Could we have an all-German final in the Champions League this season? The next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result.
Lopez is forced into action to clear a through pass from Reus, but the Spaniard does so with ease. Madrid have possession down the other end moments later, but it breaks down with Ozil. One more Madrid goal and suddenly they become favourites. It is so delicately poised as Hummels heads a Ronaldo cross clear of the box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Gundogan strikes an effort from inside the box, but Lopez is across to make a stunning save. He may have just kept his side in the tie. The resulting corner comes in from Reus, but eventually the danger is scrambled clear.
Half-chance for the away side as Higuain meets a cross from Alonso, but the linesman raises his flag at the final moment. No changes from either manager as we approach the final 20 minutes, but I expect that to change in the coming minutes. Madrid are more than capable of clawing their way back into this tie.
Again it's good pressure from the away side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Subotic heads the first over the crossbar before Ronaldo follows suit moments later.
PENALTY TO DORTMUND!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Alonso bundles into the back of Reus. Lewandowki has the chance to put his side 4-1 ahead on the night. What a moment in this tie. Can he score?!
GOAL! Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
He does score! Never in doubt from the Pole as the thumps his effort straight down the middle. Madrid may have an away goal, but have Dortmund done too much this evening. Good grief what a final 20 minutes or so to come.
Who predicted this score? First change for the away side, meanwhile, as Benzema replaces Higuain. Ronaldo has a half-chance moments later as he darts into the box, but the flag is raised at the vital moment. It is difficult to put into words what we have seen over the last two nights in Europe.
Booking for Lewandowski as the Pole fells Alonso outside the box. You just get the feeling that if Madrid scored another away goal, they would be confident of turning it around. Half-chance for the away side as Ozil whips a cross into the box, but once more the danger is thumped clear.
Madrid also made another change in the melee with Di Maria replacing Modric, who has struggled to get into the match this evening. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining with Dortmund on the attack once more. Surely they cannot find another?
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Real Madrid keeping possession in the Dortmund half. It is almost as if the home side have tightened up in the last few minutes. They will be confident taking this lead into the second leg. Mourinho has one change remaining, it could be Kaka in the latter stages.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Higuain ghosts into the box, but the Dortmund stopper is across to make a fine save. Di Maria fires a cross into the box moments later, but it was always too long for Ronaldo. Urgency for Madrid as they force two corners in quick succession, but the danger is cleared.
CHANCE! Another wonderful effort from Lewandowski as the Pole strikes one from outside the box, but Lopez is across to make the save. Reus had the ball in the back of the net moments before, but the flag was raised. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Madrid do indeed make their final change of the match as Kaka replaces Alonso, who has been off-colour this evening. It's good work from Ronaldo as the Portuguese finds Di Maria down the right, but the danger is cleared for a corner. Will we have late drama in Dortmund?
Dortmund make their first change of the match as Blaszczykowski is replaced by Sebastian Kehl. Another change follows moments later, meanwhile, as Grosskreutz replaces the impressive Piszczek. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Germany. Can Madrid take another away goal to Spain next week?
More frustration for the away side as Ozil loses possession in the final third before committing a foul. It is difficult to put into words what we have seen in Germany over the last two evenings. What a moment for the Bundesliga. Not too much to report as we approach the final couple of moments of normal time.
Ronaldo attempts to go alone down the other end as he beats two defenders before striking towards goal, but Hummels is across to make a fine challenge. He was been wonderful since that error in the latter stages of the first half. Dortmund have been so impressive in defensive areas.
Again Madrid pass and probe outside the box, the half-chance falls for Ronaldo in the box, but Weidenfeller is out to make a fine save. What a moment that could be. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of stoppage time.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Dortmund comfortable in possession. Another half-chance for the home side does arrive as Reus finds Gotze in the box, but the flag is raised. Dortmund make their final change as Schieber replaces Gundogan, who has been stunning.
Half-chance for Varane in the final moment as the Frenchman has an effort from close range, but it just moved wide of the post. That may just about be it this evening.
FULL-TIME: Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Stunning evening of football as Lewandowski scores four times to hand Dortmund a 4-1 lead over Real Madrid in the first leg. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. Good evening!
