Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

Lille’s Champions League Dreams Dashed by Dortmund

Lille’s journey in the UEFA Champions League came to an end at Stade Pierre-Mauroy as Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-1 victory, winning 3-2 on aggregate in their Round of 16 clash. Despite an early goal from Jonathan David and impressive goalkeeping from Lucas Chevalier in the first half, Lille couldn’t maintain their lead. A second-half comeback from Dortmund, fueled by goals from Emre Can and Maximilian Beier, shattered Lille’s hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals and set up a tie against Barcelona for the German side.

Match Summary

Lille made a strong start, taking the lead within the first five minutes. Ismaily’s determined defending initiated the attack, leading to a pass to Jonathan David who calmly slotted the ball past Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Dortmund responded with pressure, but Lille’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was outstanding, particularly during a chaotic corner in the 20th minute where he made three crucial saves to deny Dortmund an equalizer.

Lille weathered the storm and even created chances to extend their lead, with Benjamin André narrowly missing a header from a Hákon Arnar Haraldsson cross.

However, Dortmund turned the game around in the second half. Serhou Guirassy was involved in the penalty decision that led to Dortmund’s first goal. Emre Can converted the penalty, leveling the score. Shortly after, Guirassy set up Maximilian Beier, who skillfully evaded a defender and scored, putting Dortmund ahead.

Lille attempted to respond, but Kobel, after his earlier error, was solid in goal, denying David an equalizer. Ultimately, Dortmund held on, ending Lille’s Champions League campaign.

Player Ratings

Lille Player Ratings

  • Lucas Chevalier – 7

    – A standout performance, especially in the first half, keeping Dortmund at bay with excellent saves. However, he was eventually overcome by Dortmund’s second-half pressure.

  • Ismaily – 6

    – Contributed to the opening goal and defended well initially. However, Dortmund found more space on Lille’s right flank. His age seemed to be a factor against Dortmund’s pace. Substituted in the second half.

  • Alexsandro – 6
  • Bafodé Diakité – 4
  • Thomas Meunier – 4
  • Ayyoub Bouaddi – 4

    – Substituted late in the second half.

  • Benjamin André – 6
  • Ngal’ayel Mukau – 5

    – Substituted late in the second half.

  • Hákon Arnar Haraldsson – 6

    – Showed creative flair and his passes nearly led to assists. Substituted late in the second half.

  • Jonathan David – 6
  • Rémy Cabella – 5

    – Substituted in the second half.

Borussia Dortmund Selected Player Ratings

  • Gregor Kobel – 5
  • Maximilian Beier – 6
  • Serhou Guirassy – 8

By Vihaan Mehrotra

In the heart of Bangalore lives and works Vihaan Mehrotra, one of modern India's most insightful sports analysts. His childhood passion for cricket and field hockey evolved into a successful career. His daily column in Bangalore's digital media covers all significant world sporting events, from cricket matches to badminton tournaments. As a sports betting expert, he developed his own methodology for analyzing team statistics. His IPL match predictions are renowned for their 75% accuracy rate.

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