Live Commentary: Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid - as it happened (scroll down below to view 5 goals )
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: 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.
0 minJust
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.
2 minThese
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.
4 minIt'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.
6 minScrappy
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.
8 minCHANCE!
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.
8 minGOAL! Dortmund 1-0 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
9 minDortmund
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.
11 minAnother
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.
13 minIt
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.
15 minAlonso
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.
17 minMore
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.
19 minDortmund'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.
21 minRonaldo
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.
23 minAlonso
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.
25 minHalf-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.
27 minAgain
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.
29 minRonaldo
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.
31 minThe
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.
33 minAgain
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.
35 minIt'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.
37 minDortmund
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.
39 minAnother
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.
41 minNot
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.
43 minIt'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.
43 minGOAL! Dortmund 1-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
44 minOh
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.
45 minRonaldo
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.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Dortmund 1-1 Real Madrid
8.32pmSo
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.
8.37pmSTATISTICS:
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.
8.42pmBENCH 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.
46 minRight,
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.
48 minEarly
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.
50 minAnother
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.
50 minAlmost
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.
50 minGOAL! Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
51 minDortmund
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.
53 minEnd-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.
55 minManchester
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.
55 minGOAL! Dortmund 3-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
56 minStunning,
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.
58 minMadrid
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.
60 minHalf-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.
62 minLopez
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.
64 minCHANCE!
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.
66 minHalf-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.
66 minAgain
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.
66 minPENALTY TO DORTMUND!
66 minThe
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?!
67 minGOAL! Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid (Lewandowski)
68 minHe
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.
70 minWho
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.
72 minBooking
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.
74 minMadrid
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?
76 minNot
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.
78 minHalf-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.
80 minCHANCE!
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.
82 minMadrid
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?
84 minDortmund
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?
86 minMore
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.
88 minRonaldo
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.
90 minAgain
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.
90 min+3Not
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.
90 min+4Half-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.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid
9.38pmSo
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 .
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