Dortmund Secure Champions League Last 16 Spot After Draw with Sporting

Borussia Dortmund advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League after a goalless draw with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday sealed their 3-0 aggregate victory. Despite Serhou Guirassy missing a second-half penalty, Dortmund comfortably secured their spot in the knockout stages.

The German side, last season’s finalists, dominated most of the match but couldn’t break the deadlock. Marcel Sabitzer came close with a powerful shot that Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva managed to push wide. Dortmund eventually had a golden opportunity to score when Silva fouled Karim Adeyemi in the box, but Guirassy’s penalty was saved. Giovanni Reyna also hit the post after coming off the bench, but neither side managed a goal.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac praised his team’s controlled performance, acknowledging the missed chances but emphasizing the importance of advancing. “We should have won, but we’re through at the end of the day. We’re working on taking our opportunities, and I believe in the lads,” he said.

Sporting, struggling with injuries, failed to trouble Dortmund and did not register a single shot on target. With little attacking ambition, the Portuguese side couldn’t overturn the damage from the first leg, where Dortmund had already taken a commanding lead.

Dortmund now awaits their last-16 clash against either Aston Villa or Lille as they continue their Champions League journey.