Lille 1–2 (2-3) Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings: Dortmund Edge Lille in Thrilling Clash To Reach Champions League Quarter-Finals

Borussia Dortmund staged a second-half comeback to defeat Lille 2-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The match began dramatically, with Lille taking an early lead in just the fifth minute. Ismaily capitalized on a defensive lapse from Dortmund, winning the ball and setting up Jonathan David inside the box. The Canadian forward’s weakly struck effort still managed to sneak through the legs of Gregor Kobel, giving the French side a crucial advantage (1-0, 2-1 on aggregate).

Lille’s early goal unsettled Dortmund, and the hosts controlled possession for much of the opening exchanges. However, the visitors soon found their rhythm, with Julian Brandt, Pascal Gross, and Serhou Guirassy all forcing heroic last-ditch clearances from the Lille defence. Kobel, meanwhile, redeemed himself by making a crucial save from Hákon Haraldsson just before halftime.

Despite Dortmund generating 1.28 expected goals compared to Lille’s 0.59, the German side went into the break trailing, needing a big second-half performance to turn the tie around.

Dortmund came out firing in the second half, determined to take control of the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 54th minute when captain Emre Can calmly converted a penalty after Serhou Guirassy was fouled inside the box. The German international sent Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier the wrong way to restore parity on the night (1-1, 2-2 on aggregate).

With momentum firmly on their side, Dortmund continued to press, and they found their crucial breakthrough in the 65th minute. Ryerson and Guirassy combined to set up Maximilian Beier, who expertly found space just inside the box before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner. The goal gave Dortmund a 2-1 lead and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate, putting them on the brink of the quarter-finals.

Lille pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Jonathan David and Chuba Akpom both coming close. David nearly made amends for his earlier miss with a powerful header inside the six-yard box, but Kobel produced a vital save to deny him. Niko Kovac’s side defended resolutely, with Nico Schlotterbeck making a last-ditch challenge to prevent Lille from forcing extra time.

The final whistle confirmed Dortmund’s victory, capping off a thrilling night of Champions League action. The result means Dortmund have now progressed to the quarter-finals, keeping their European dreams alive. Meanwhile, Lille will rue their missed opportunities, having led the tie at halftime but failing to maintain control in the second half.

With this victory, Dortmund joined the final eight of the competition, and their fans will be hopeful of a deep run in the tournament as they set their sights on potential silverware.

Here are the Lille vs Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings.

Lille Player Ratings

GK- Lucas Chevalier – 7/10

The Lille shot-stopper put in a solid performance, making some crucial saves to keep his side in the game, particularly in the first half. However, he was unable to prevent Dortmund’s second-half resurgence.

LB- Ismaily- 7.5/10

The left-back was one of Lille’s best players, providing a fantastic assist for David’s opening goal. He was also a constant threat going forward but struggled to contain Dortmund’s right-side attack in the second half.

CB- Alexsandro Ribeiro- 5/10

One of Lille’s standout defenders. He was composed at the back, making key clearances and interventions to keep Dortmund at bay in the first half.

CB- Bafodé Diakité- 6.5/10

Had a difficult time dealing with Dortmund’s dynamic attack. While he showed moments of good positioning, he lacked the composure needed to stop Beier and Guirassy.

RB- Thomas Meunier- 7.2/10

A mixed display from the Belgian full-back. He was solid defensively for large parts of the game but was booked for a foul on Guirassy and struggled to cope with Dortmund’s attacking waves.

CM- Ngal Ayel Mukau- 6.5/10

Put in an energetic shift but was eventually booked for dissent, showing signs of frustration as the game slipped away from Lille.

CM- Benjamin André- 7.5/10

A solid presence in midfield, helping Lille control possession early on. He played a vital role in breaking up Dortmund’s attacks but couldn’t keep up with their intensity as the match progressed.

CM- Ayyoub Bouaddi- 6/10

Struggled to make an impact in midfield and was eventually replaced as Lille searched for a way back into the game.

RW- Rémy Cabella- 7/10

Showed glimpses of creativity but was largely kept quiet by Dortmund’s midfield. He was subbed off after failing to influence the game significantly.

LW- Hákon Arnar Haraldsson- 7/10

Provided some lively moments and created a big chance for David, but he ultimately faded as Dortmund took control in the second half.

ST- Jonathan David- 6.5/10 

Scored Lille’s opener with a fortunate strike but missed a crucial chance to level the tie late in the game. His movement was good, but he lacked clinical finishing when it mattered most.

SUB- Gabriel Gudmundsson- 6.5/10 

Came on but failed to provide the attacking spark Lille needed.

SUB- Chuba Akpom- 5.8/10 

Had a half-chance late in the game but couldn’t make an impact.

SUB- Mathias Fernandez-Pardo- 5/10 

Struggled to get into the game as Lille chased an equalizer.

SUB- André Gomes- NA 

SUB- Osame Sahraoui- NA

Manager- Bruno Genesio- 6/10

Génésio set Lille up well in the opening stages, pressing aggressively and capitalizing on Dortmund’s early vulnerability. His team’s intensity paid off with the opening goal, but after that, they struggled to maintain control. While Lille showed defensive discipline at times, they became too passive as the game progressed, allowing Dortmund to dictate play.

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Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings

GK- Gregor Kobel- 7.5/10

Made a couple of decent saves but could have done better for Lille’s opener. Otherwise, he had a solid performance.

LB- Julian Ryerson- 8/10

Excellent on the left flank, constantly causing problems with his crosses and energy. Provided the assist for Beier’s goal.

CB- Nico Schlotterbeck- 7.8/10

A rock at the back, making crucial tackles and blocks, including a big challenge on David.

CB- Emre Can- 8.4/10

A commanding presence in midfield and defence. He scored a crucial penalty and helped dictate Dortmund’s play. Put in a man-of-the-match performance.

RB- Waldemar Anton- 7/10

Put in a solid defensive performance but picked up a booking.

DM- Marcel Sabitzer- 7.2/10

Kept things tidy in midfield and made some important passes, though he wasn’t as influential as some of his teammates.

DM- Pascal Gross- 6.5/10

Was a lively presence in the midfield and did well and cutting passing options.

AM- Julian Brandt- 7.5/10

Looked dangerous throughout the game and played a key role in Dortmund’s attacking play, but he missed a couple of decent chances.

LW- Maximilian Beier- 7.8/10

Scored the crucial goal that gave Dortmund the lead, showing great composure. His movement was sharp, and he put in an impressive shift.

RW- Karim Adeyemi- 7.7/10

Looked dangerous throughout the game and played a key role in Dortmund’s attacking play, but he missed a couple of decent chances.

ST- Serhou Guirassy- 8.2/10 

One of Dortmund’s best players. He provided an assist for Beier’s goal and was a constant threat, linking up well with his teammates.

SUB- Ramy Bensebaini- 6/10 

Came on late to provide defensive stability.

SUB- Jamie Gittens- 6/10 

Had little time to make an impact.

SUB- Carney Chukwuemeka- NA

SUB- Giovanni Reyna- NA

SUB- Salih Özcan- NA

Manager- Niko Kovac- 8/10

Kovač’s tactical setup allowed Dortmund to control the game for long periods, especially in the second half. His team reacted well after falling behind early, showing resilience and quality in possession. 

The Sportsdunia player of the match goes to Emre Can to ignite the comeback.

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