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Champions League | Group Stage
Dec 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Anderlecht

1-1

Immobile (58')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Mitrovic (84')

Live Commentary: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Anderlecht - as it happened

Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Champions League clash between Borussia Dortmund and Anderlecht.
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Borussia Dortmund secured top spot in Group D with a 1-1 draw against Anderlecht at Signal Iduna Park.

The hosts were left frustrated by Anderlecht's stubborn defending in the first half, but they made the breakthrough in the 58th minute when Ciro Immobile fired home.

Anderlecht looked on course for another away defeat in the competition before Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home with six minutes of normal time remaining to earn a point for the visitors.

Read below to find out how events unfolded in Dortmund.


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Good evening everyone. The Champions League group stage comes to an end this week, and there are still plenty of questions that need answering. In Group D, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal have booked their spot in the next round, but it will be the German club who claim top spot if they avoid defeat against Anderlecht tonight.

Qualification is, of course, always top priority, but going through as group winners can be very important in the Champions League. It's crucial to avoid the competition's bigger sides in the last 16. In truth, both Dortmund and Arsenal can claim to be one of the 'big sides', but their respective troubles this season mean they'll both be more comfortable if top spot is secured.

Dortmund are in control of Group D, but their job is far from finished. Anderlecht have not disgraced themselves in the Champions League season, and with qualification impossible, the Belgian club can afford to take more risks in Germany this evening. Jurgen Klopp will be fully aware that his side cannot afford to be complacent.


If you can't quite remember the first week of October, allow me to remind you. When these two sides met in the reverse fixture in Belgium, it proved to be a comfortable night for Dortmund. An early Ciro Immobile strike and a brace from Adrian Ramos was enough for Klopp's side on that night.

DORTMUND XI: Langerak, Durm, Subotic, Ginter, Schmelzer, Sahin, Gundogan, Grosskreutz, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan, Immobile

SUBS: Weidenfeller, Bender, Jojic, Kirch, Kuba, Aubameyang, Ramos


Top spot is not guaranteed, but that hasn't stopped Klopp resting a few key players. Roman Weidenfeller, Sven Bender, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adrian Ramos are among the names on the bench. Immobile leads the line for the hosts, while there are also starts for Matthias Ginter, Shinji Kagawa and Mitchell Langerak. Nuri Sahin plays for the first time since the German cup final against Bayern Munich in May.

ANDERLECHT XI: Proto, N'Sakala, Deschacht, Mbemba, Vanden Borre, Praet, Kljestan, Dendoncker, Acheampong, Conte, Mitrovic

SUBS: Roef, Colin, Heylen, Tielemans, Cyriac, Kawaya, Kabasele


Youri Tielemans and Cyriac both lose their places in the Anderlecht side following the 4-2 defeat to Mouscron-Peruwelz. There's also a change in attack as the highly rated Aleksander Mitrovic comes in to replace Nathan Kabasele.


Has Klopp taken too big of a risk with his selection tonight? The Dortmund side is full of quality, but they could miss the cutting edge provided by the likes of Aubameyang and Ramos as Marco Reus continues his spell on the treatment table. A few reports have suggested that Mats Hummels may have picked up another knock in Friday's win over Hoffenheim. The centre back isn't even on the bench tonight. Klopp will be hopeful he isn't set for another spell out of action.

The good news for Dortmund, and the bad news for Anderlecht, is that the Belgian club have struggled to contain sides from the Bundesliga over the years. They haven't kept a clean sheet in any of the last 14 meetings with clubs from Germany. Can they end that dreadful run this evening?

Before we go any further, a quick heads up that you can follow all of tonight's Champions League games by clicking the fixture in the live scores box. I'll keep you up to date with the scores from Galatasaray vs. Arsenal as Group D comes to an end.


With two draws and one victory from their first five games, Anderlecht have done enough to play in the Europa League knockout stages, so their European dream is not over yet. Very few teams will enjoy meeting the Belgian club in that competition, especially after watching their two performances against Arsenal.

So, a quick reminder of what Dortmund need to clinch top spot. A victory would see them cruise through as Group D winners, but a draw should be enough unless there is a huge swing in goal difference. Dortmund's current goal difference is +10, while Arsenal's is +4.


Ilkay Gundogan has made it clear that a draw is not a target tonight. When Dortmund play at home, the fans expect an attacking display.

"We're not going to play only for a draw - we want to win," the midfielder told reporters. "We've got the chance to finish top of the group and we want to take it."


Anderlecht have only ever recorded two victories away from home in the Champions League, and their last triumph on the road came back in 2005. The statistics don't make for easy reading if you're an Anderlecht fan, but this young side do have the quality to trouble the hosts. It's imperative that they make a good start tonight.

Here we go then. One of Europe's best group of supporters welcome the two teams out onto the pitch in Dortmund. We're just a few minutes away from kickoff. It's been a Jekyll and Hyde season for Klopp's side. Which Dortmund will we see tonight?

It will be Dortmund who get the game underway at Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund look to stamp their authority on the game with an extended spell in possession from kickoff, before a longer ball to Grosskreutz, who is part of a trio behind Immobile tonight, brings an end to the first attack.

It looks pretty clear that Anderlecht will be hoping to hit the hosts on the break tonight. Besnik Hasi's side are dropping very deep to defend, with Mitrovic being left to feed off scraps in the early stages of the game.

SAVE! Dortmund win the ball in midfield before attacking at pace. A clever flick from Mkhitaryan plays in Immobile, whose powerful effort is saved by Proto. Mkhitaryan attempts to convert from the rebound, but Vanden Borre does well to clear under pressure from the Armenian.

Klopp appears to be pleased with how his side have started the game as he applauds another spell of pressure from the hosts. Anderlecht are battling impressively, but they're on the back foot.

Worrying signs for the visitors when N'Sakala goes down hurt under a poor challenge from Durm, who is very lucky not to receive a yellow card for the foul. N'Sakala, who recently returned from injury, is receiving treatment on the sideline.

As the case always seems to be, Dortmund are pressing very high to make life difficult for the Anderlecht midfield. However, Anderlecht are starting to come into the game a bit more in the past couple of minutes.

SAVE! Big moment in this game. Mitrovic times his run to perfection to sprint clear of the Dortmund defence. The young forward has so much time to pick his spot, but Langerak stands tall to make a fine save. That could be a key point in tonight's action in Group D...

UPDATE: The reason Langerak's save could be so important is because the Gunners are doing all they can in Turkey. Goals from Lukas Podolski and Aaron Ramsey in the opening 11 minutes have given Arsenal a 2-0 lead over Galatasaray. Dortmund have been warned.

Since creating the chance for Immobile earlier in the game, Dortmund have lacked that extra bit of quality in the final third of the pitch. A few misplaced passes have caused frustration in attack, but the hosts continue to dominate possession.

When Dortmund have lost the ball, they've found it relatively easy to win it back quickly. Anderlecht's stubborn defensive line is disrupting the flow of the home side's game, with the slow pace of attacks leaving the supporters frustrated. The first goal is going to be vital.

Immobile may be regretting not trusting his right foot. An awful clearance from Proto sends the ball to Immobile, but he decides against attempting to pick out an empty net 35 yards from goal. Instead, he charges forward before eventually being dispossessed.

Immobile, perhaps a little annoyed at missing his chance earlier in the game, is pleading with his teammates to provide him with better service, but Anderlecht are holding firm on the edge of their own box. Hasi's side are sticking to their task well.

Klopp was smiling earlier in the game, but he's screaming from the touchline now. Schmelzer collects the ball in plenty of space on the left wing until an offside flag halts his progress. Anderlecht win a corner at the other end, Mbemba is unable to make firm contact with a header.

It's impressive to see Anderlecht make so many interceptions to prevent the likes of Mkhitaryan and Kagawa release Immobile, but you feel that one of these passes is going to find the Italian at some point. For now, the visitors continue to defend stubbornly.

SAVE! Excellent goalkeeping from Proto as he gets a strong hand to a powerful effort from Kagawa, who didn't appear to be sure whether to cross or shot after latching onto a loose ball inside the box.

SAVE! Lovely play from Kagawa as he finds the room to pick out Immobile, who looks to catch out Proto by targeting the near post with a firm strike. Proto makes another save and Anderlecht clear the corner which follows.

UPDATE: The goals keep on coming in Turkey. Ramsey has scored his second and Arsenal now lead 3-0 against Galatasaray. Is the six-goal swing in goal difference on the cards?

SAVE! Proto is leading the way for the visitors. The Anderlecht goalkeeper makes another fine save to keep out Immobile after the Italian sprints clear on the counter attack.

CHANCE! Anderlecht need to take their chances, but they've wasted two good opportunities in the first half. Conte's pace takes him into space on the right side of the box, and he decides to cross for Mitrovic rather than shoot. Mitrovic is a few inches away from adding the finishing touch as Langerak collects inside his six-yard box.

Anderlecht have proven that they are quick enough in attack to cause problems for Dortmund, who are struggling to find a way past the in-form Proto. Klopp will be happy with his side's ball retention, but the end product is missing.

Gundogan is seeing more of the ball than anyone else, but he is being prevented from getting too far forward to link with the likes of Immobile and Kagawa. As a result, the hosts are being forced to go wide where Durm and Schmelzer are yet to make an impact.

Grosskreutz has been pretty quiet, but he storms forward on the right to win a corner for his side. The delivery is poor from Mkhitaryan and another Dortmund attack ends with Durm dragging a speculative effort wide.

Great defending on show from Deschacht as the experienced centre back comes across to tackle Durm after the Dortmund full back and Mkhitaryan had caused problems on the right wing.

CHANCE! It's another big miss from Anderlecht. Acheampong lofts an inviting cross into the box for Mitrovic, who shows great awareness to head the ball back to Kljestan. The midfielder is a yard ahead of Sahin, but he can only send a half volley over the crossbar.

PENALTY APPEAL! Sahin is a very lucky boy. He comes from behind to make a risky challenge on Conte, who goes down after being caught on the side of the knee. It really should be a penalty, but Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco shakes his head.

HALF TIME: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-0 ANDERLECHT

It may bee 0-0, but it's been an entertaining first 45 minutes at Signal Iduna Park. Proto has been in fine form to deny Dortmund on a number of occasions, while Anderlecht have missed some good chances to send the home supporters into shock. A missed penalty call has added to the drama. Will it be another shock defeat for Dortmund tonight? The first breakthrough will be crucial.

Arsenal are leading Galatasaray 3-0 at the interval in Turkey. If the scores in Group D stay the same, Dortmund will hold onto top spot, but an Anderlecht goal will change everything. Mkhitaryan is one a of a few who need to step up for the hosts.

Dortmund's Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan (L) and Anderlecht's Anthony Vanden Borre vie for the ball during the second leg UEFA Champions League Group D football match on December 9, 2014© Getty Images


Mats Hummels has decided to kindly reassure Dortmund fans that he is not set for another spell on the treatment table.


BENCH WATCH: Anderlecht could turn to Tielemans at some stage when their hard-working midfield begins to tire, while Kabasele would add another threat going forward. Klopp could turn to Aubameyang or Ramos if he feels that some extra pace will help unlock the visiting defence.

The players are back out on the pitch for the second half. No changes from either manager at the break. Anderlecht will get the game back underway.

CHANCE! A great pass from Gundogan releases Kagawa in the box, but the Japanese midfielder is driven wide by Mbemba and he can only slice an effort past the near post. Good move from the hosts.

Kagawa is starting to see more of the ball, which is good news for Dortmund. He's involved on the edge of the box once again, but Mbemba continues an impressive evening by making a crucial tackle before his rival can turn towards goal.

SAVE! Proto is edging closer to securing the man of the match award. Kagawa shifts the ball to Mkhitaryan, who sprints into space on the left side of the box before seeing his drilled effort kept out by the legs of Proto. It's another excellent save from the Anderlecht shot-stopper.

Anderlecht have struggled to keep the ball for an extended period early in the second half. Dortmund are playing further forward to add to the visiting midfield's problems. Immobile targets the headlines with a volley from 25 yards, but he can only pick out the stand behind the goal.

Kagawa evades a couple of challenges on the left wing before pulling the ball back to Mkhitaryan, whose low effort from the edge of the box is comfortably held by Proto. Dortmund continue to hit the target, but they can't find a way through.

Schmelzer is fortunate to get away without being booked after bringing Praet on the right wing. Subotic rises highest to clear the free kick which follows moments later. Dortmund remain on top.

GOAL! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 ANDERLECHT (IMMOBILE)

Dortmund make the breakthrough! Sahin charges forward unchallenged in midfield, before sliding the perfect pass into the path of Immobile, who holds his nerve on this occasions to fire past a helpless Proto. It's a great finish from the Italian and his delight at ending a frustrating night is clear.

CHANCE! It really should be 2-0. Kagawa ignores better options inside the box after being gifted space, and he's forced to answer the question from his teammates when he blazes a shot over the crossbar.

It would take a mini miracle for Dortmund not to finish top of Group D from the position. Anderlecht impressed in the first half, but struggled to trouble the hosts since the interval. Mitrovic meets a cross with his head in the box and he watches a weak effort fly a few yards of the post.

SUBSTITUTION: The fourth official needs help working the board on the touchline, but when he finally does get the numbers up, it's Gundogan who comes off. It's been another solid performance from the midfielder as he looks to find his best form following a 14-month absence due to injury. Oliver Kirch is on in his place.

Anderlecht are seeing more of the ball, but Dortmund's pressing style is starting to have an impact on their ability to retain possession. The game is getting stretched, and that should suit the likes of Immobile and Mkhitaryan.

SUBSTITUTION: Tielemans, the highly rated 17-year-old midfielder, is off the bench to replace Kljestan.

SAVE! Immobile forces his way into the box before being dispossessed by Deschacht. The loose ball falls to Mkhitaryan, whose powerful effort is beaten away by Proto at the near post.

SAVE! Proto is earning his money this evening. Immobile unleashes a brilliant volley from the edge of the box, but the Anderlecht keeper gets behind the shot to push the ball to safety once again.


It looks like he could end up on the losing side, but Mbemba deserves a lot of praise for his performance this evening. The defender makes another brilliant contribution to intercept Mkhitaryan's clever pass to Immobile, who would have been through on goal.

SUBSTITUTION: Schmelzer comes off to be replaced by Aubameyang, who will take advantage of any tiredness in the Anderlecht defence. The change should see Grosskreutz move back into the defence.

Durm, who has switched to left-back in the past couple of minutes, does well to earn space on the wing, but he takes one too many touches as a promising Dortmund attack comes to an end.

SUBSTITUTION: Hasi makes another change as Conte makes way for Conte, who should provide more support for Mitrovic.

CHANCE! Mkhitaryan hasn't had his shooting boots on tonight. The Armenian is in plenty of space to collect the ball following good work from Aubameyang, but he somehow manages to scoop a poor shot over the crossbar.

SAVE! Proto comes to the rescue, and it's Mkhitaryan who is left frustrated again. Langerak makes an easy save to keep out Praet at one end, before launching the counter attack for his side. Mkhitaryan does brilliantly to evade a couple of challenges on his way into the box, but Proto responds superbly to get a strong hand on his poked effort.

GOAL! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-1 ANDERLECHT (MITROVIC)

Dortmund pay the price for not killing off the visitors! Vanden Borre is responsible for creating the chance with an excellent run on the right wing, and Mitrovic adds the finishing touch by holding off Grosskreutz at the back post to head home an inviting cross.

SUBSTITUTION: Klopp makes one final change to replace Kagawa with Jakub Blaszczykowski, who recently returned tothe squad after being out with injury since January.

If Anderlecht do secure a point, you'd have to say they deserve it. Despite being put on the back foot for long spells of the game, the visitors have defended impressively and looked a threat on the break.

SUBSTITUTION: Mitrovic hobbles off the pitch after taking a knock and he is replaced by Michael Heylen.

The fourth official has confirmed that there will be three minutes added on.

Dortmund have struggled to produce a response to the equaliser. Anderlecht have slowed the pace of the game down, and it looks like they will secure a draw at Signal Iduna Park. Will there be a late twist?

It's Anderlecht who are controlling the game now, but time is running out for either side to find a winner. The visitors are surely happy with the draw.

FULL TIME: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-1 ANDERLECHT

It's another disappointing result for Dortmund, but the job has been done. Klopp's side go through as Group D winners, despite Arsenal going on to win 4-1 against Galatasaray. Anderlecht head into the Europa League knockout stages, and they've produced more evidence to suggest that they can make an impact in that competition.

That's all from our live coverage, but keep an eye out for analysis and ratings from every Champions League game. Thanks for joining me this evening. Goodnight.

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Anderlecht's defender from DR Congo Chancel Mbemba celebrates after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Anderlecht and Galatasaray in Brussels, November 26, 2014
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