Borussia Dortmund Progresses to Champions League Last 16 After Draw with Sporting

Eppe Franklyne  –

• Borussia Dortmund secured a 0-0 draw against Sporting, advancing to the last 16 with a 3-0 aggregate victory.
• Dortmund will face either Aston Villa or Lille in the next round.
• Sporting showed little urgency, trailing 3-0 from the first leg, and missed their top scorer Viktor Gyokeres due to injury.
• Dortmund missed several chances, including a saved penalty and a shot off the post.
• Manager Niko Kovac praised his team for their dominant performance despite missed opportunities.
• Sporting’s form has faltered since Ruben Amorim’s departure, and they will now focus on retaining their domestic league title.

Borussia Dortmund comfortably advanced to the Champions League last 16 after a goalless draw with Sporting in the second leg of their knockout phase playoff, securing a 3-0 aggregate win. Despite the large deficit from the first leg, Sporting showed little intent to challenge, particularly missing their top scorer, Viktor Gyokeres, who was sidelined due to injury. Dortmund controlled the match but squandered several chances, including a penalty saved by Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva and a shot from Giovanni Reyna that hit the post.

Dortmund manager Niko Kovac expressed satisfaction with his team’s dominance, despite missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Sporting’s poor form continued following Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United, as they failed to win a European match since. Sporting will now shift focus to defending their league title.