Real Madrid welcomed Borussia Dortmund to the Bernabeu on Tuesday needing to overturn a 4-1 first-leg deficit in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Spanish outfit had a host of chances to open the scoring in the early stages, but Dortmund held on to their first-leg lead at the interval.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Madrid late on, before Sergio Ramos added their second with two minutes to play, but they could not find the third as Dortmund held on to advance to the final of the competition.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Even the most ardent of Dortmund supporters would not have expected their side to be travelling to Spain in such a commanding position. Many had predicted that the German outfit would secure a lead in the first leg, but the size of the margin sent shockwaves around the football world. Indeed more so following Barcelona’s mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich the evening before.
It was Robert Lewandowski that opened the scoring for the home side, but a strike from Cristiano Ronaldo levelled it up before the interval. No-one could have predicted what would come next as Lewandowski added three more goals to secure a 4-1 lead in the first leg. However, if any team can turn this one around, then it is Real Madrid.
There is no question which side has the greater European pedigree with Real Madrid bidding to reach their 13th European Cup final. Meanwhile, Dortmund have reached just one final in their history, overcoming Juventus in the 1996-1997 season. The German outfit were also knocked out by Real Madrid the last time they reached this stage of the competition in the 1997-1998 season.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho makes two changes from the first leg with Pepe and Sami Khedira both dropping out in favour of Michael Essien and Angel di Maria. Cristiano Ronaldo also starts despite missing the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the weekend. Dortmund, meanwhile, are unchanged from the first leg with Robert Lewandowski once more leading the line. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Essien, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Ozil, Modric, Alonso; Ronaldo, Higuain, Di Maria
DORTMUND: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Blaszczykowski, Bender, Gundogan, Gotze; Reus, Lewandowski
So there we have it. It appears that Essien will start at right-back this evening, while Diego Lopez is once more preferred to Iker Casillas between the sticks. It is also Gonzalo Higuain that gets the nod ahead of Karim Benzema. No real surprises in the Dortmund team following their sensational display in the first leg last week.
As mentioned, if Real Madrid are to advance to the final of the competition, then they will have to produce a result that has only once been repeated. Deportivo La Coruna lost the first leg of their quarter-final clash 4-1 to AC Milan in 2004, but recorded a 4-0 win in the second leg to advance into the final four. Can Real Madrid repeat that feat?
Real Madrid will be sick of the sight of German sides having lost to Bayern Munich at this stage of the competition last season. This is the third straight year that they have reached the semi-finals, but they are on the verge of falling at the final hurdle once more. One thing is for certain, a team with Jose Mourinho at the helm will not go down without a fight.
It seems a long time ago that the two sides met in the group stages of the competition this season. Dortmund recorded a 2-1 win on their own patch before drawing 2-2 in the Bernabeu. There is no question that the German outfit’s defence can be exposed, but it is difficult to see them not scoring. Just one away goal would leave the home side needing four without reply.
Dortmund are remarkably the only unbeaten side left in the competition this season. However, they have only won two of their last seven competitive matches with Real Madrid – suffering two defeats and picking up three draws. That said, they are unbeaten in their last four matches against the Spanish heavyweights.
The facts once more point to an open tie this evening, with Real Madrid’s matches this season producing the highest amount of goals in the competition. They have scored 24 goals, but conceded 18 times. What we have on display this evening is two wonderful attacking sides, but two defences that have been exposed this season. Goals anyone?!
Real Madrid will once more look to Cristiano Ronaldo for goals this evening with the Portuguese skipper netting 11 times in the Champions League thus far. The former Manchester United striker has also equalled the record of scoring in his last six European matches in a row, with his goal last week his 50th strike in the Champions League.
Right, let’s take a look at how each side made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Real Madrid. The Spanish outfit finished second behind Dortmund in Group D, but they were far from impressive, winning just three of their six matches, drawing twice and losing once. That said, they were also up against English champions Manchester City and Ajax. Manchester United waited in the last-16 stage, but they won 2-1 at Old Trafford to book their spot in the last eight.
Mourinho’s side were paired with Galatasaray in the quarter-finals, with the Turkish outfit the dark horses for the competition. The Spanish side made light work of Gala in the first leg, triumphing 3-0, while a 3-2 defeat in Turkey was enough to book their spot in the semi-final stage once more.
Dortmund, meanwhile, finished top of Group D, winning four and drawing two of their six matches. It was in the early stages of the competition that teams started to notice their encouraging performances in Europe. They faced much-fancied Shakhtar Donetsk in the last-16 stage, but they drew the first leg 2-2 before winning 3-0 in Germany.
It was Malaga that waited in the quarter-finals. They secured a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Spain, but they found it tough in Germany, needing two late goals to advance to this stage. Whether you believe in fate is neither here nor there, but the fact they managed to overcome such odds that evening suggests that this could indeed be their year.
Let’s take a look at how each side has fared domestically this season. Dortmund currently sit second in the Bundesliga, they have won each of their last five matches, but Bayern Munich have already secured the league title courtesy of a 20-point gap. However, Dortmund could have their revenge if all goes to plan next month.
Real Madrid have also had to play second fiddle domestically this season with Barcelona topping La Liga by 11 points. The Catalan outfit have wobbled in recent months, but the gap is simply too large with just five matches remaining. Should they exit this evening, the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid next month becomes absolutely vital.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. There is no question that Madrid will be up for this match this evening, but whether they can turn around such a deficit is another matter entirely. I think the home side will win, but I expect them to exit the competition.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Perfect night in the Spanish capital for a game of football. Let's hope for a cracker.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Essien and Di Maria both come into the Madrid side, with Khedira and Pepe dropping to the bench. Higuain is also preferred to Benzema in attack. Meanwhile, Dortmund are unchanged from the first leg, with Lewandowski leading the attack. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Truly sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. It has been buzzing in the Spanish capital all afternoon. Bright start from the away side as Gundogan finds the run of Reus with a cutting pass, but the flag is raised. Madrid have possession moments later as they begin to pass and probe outside the Dortmund box.
Half-chance for the home side as Di Maria collects a loose ball outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Plenty of suggestions that Dortmund have come to attack as Reus once more runs beyond the Madrid defence, but Sergio Ramos is on hand to clear. Short, incisive passing from the Spanish outfit in the opening four minutes of football.
CHANCE! End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Ozil collects a pass in the final third before slipping it towards Higuain, the Argentine strikes an effort from close range, but Weindfeller is out to make a fine save. The resulting corner comes in towards Ronaldo, but Subotic manages to get enough on the clearance before Di Maria fires over moments later.
Real Madrid are averaging just about three goals a game in this stadium this season, which would be enough if they did not concede. Half-chance for Dortmund this time as Lewandowski strikes an effort from close range, but Diego Lopez is on hand to make the save. It has been a bright start from both sides, but the home team are in control of the possession.
Madrid continue to pressure with another dangerous corner into the box, but once more Dortmund manage to clear. Alonso forces it into the box moments later, but Subotic manages to hook over his own crossbar. It is so important that the Spanish side find the back of the net in this period. Ronaldo tries his luck moments later, but the Portuguese can over fire over the crossbar.
Dortmund attempt to force a chance of their own as Gundogan slips a pass beyond Varane, but Lopez is out to clear under pressure from Reus. Madrid have possession down the other end moments later, but Schmelzer fells Higuain outside the box. Ozil whips the free kick into the box, but Higuain can only head wide of the target. However, the offside flag had been raised.
Dortmund continue to quell the Madrid attacks with Hummels and Bender both making challenges outside the box. Meanwhile, it does not look good for Ozil, who is receiving a period of treatment on the sidelines. There is no question that Dortmund have come here to play this evening as they force another high ball into the box, but Lewandowski can only fire straight at Ramos.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a cross from Coentrao, but somehow his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Dortmund are forced into an early change as Kevin Grosskreutz replaces Gotze, who had appeared to be struggling. All-action start as the challenges continue to fly in. Another wonderful chance comes to Ozil, but the German fires wide.
Good grief Madrid could be three goals ahead on the evening after 18 minutes of football. Dortmund just have not started. Will the home side be made to regret those missed opportunities? The away side cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as Madrid continue to force the issue. Somehow, the score remains goalless on the evening.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Dortmund just starting to gain some sort of control in possession of the ball. In truth, they should be at least two goals behind on the evening. Ozil continues to cause problems as he drops into the gap, but the final pass has just not been there. Ronaldo also has a go from distance, but he drags it wide of the post.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Essien bursts forward from defence before attempting to find Ozil, but Bender is across to clear at the vital moment. Reus has possession down the other end moments later as he slides in Piszczek, but Ramos is across to make the challenge. Stunning opening 23 minutes to this Champions League semi-final second leg.
Once more Dortmund threaten on the counter as Schmelzer floats a dangerous cross towards Lewandowski, but Ramos is on hand to make a fine clearance at the vital moment. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Ronaldo tries his luck down the other end, but it comes to nothing. How on earth is this match still goalless?!
CHANCE! It's really bright work from Ozil as the German drives down the left before finding Di Maria, but the Argentine's effort strikes his own teammate Higuain. It was never going to be dull this match. Meanwhile, Howard Webb is forced to book Coentrao for a late challenge on Lewandowski.
Higuain threatens to cause problems once more as he challenges Weidenfeller, but the German goalkeeper was always favourite to claim. There is no question that Mourinho's words have fired up his team this evening, but that first goal continues to elude them. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, but still neither side can open the scoring. Howard Webb is also having a difficult evening as the challenges continue to fly in.
The chances have certainly dried up in the last couple of moments with Dortmund settling in the Madrid half. The atmosphere remains, but it is the away supporters that can be heard high in the gods. You just wonder whether Madrid will be made to regret those early missed chances. One goal changes the entire complexion of this match, but the Madrid passes are just starting to go astray.
It's really bright play from the away side with Lewandowski and Reus combining in the final third before Bender attempts to slide a pass towards the former, but Varane is across to clear at the vital moment. Di Maria threatens down the right moments later, but his cross is cleared by Hummels. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
It's really measured from Dortmund as they continue to keep possession in their own half, which is unsettling the home supporters. In truth, we have not had a clear chance in this match since the early stages. Even Ronaldo is losing concentration as the Portuguese is challenged by Bender. Just a reminder that a 3-0 score would take Madrid into the final.
Di Maria attempts to force the issue as he floats a high cross into the box, but once more Hummels is on hand to hand back to his own goalkeeper. The battle between Ramos and Lewandowski continues as the Spanish defender appears to elbow the striker, but Howard Webb is not interested. Madrid really need some sort of inspiration before the interval.
Madrid want a penalty as Subotic appears to handle in the box, but the linesman had his flag raised. It might well have been given had Higuain not moved into an offside position. Again Madrid attempt to build from the back as Ramos finds Alonso in midfield, but the Spaniard is immediately surrounded by both Bender and Gundogan.
Another half-chance for the home side as Higuain searches out Ronaldo in the box, but Weidenfeller is out to claim off the head of the Portuguese striker. Ozil appears to be in moments later, but once more the flag is raised. Madrid have suddenly come alive in the latter stages of the half, but it remains 0-0 on the night.
Madrid continue to force the issue with Di Maria and Ozil both delivering crosses in quick succession, but Weidenfeller is on hand to claim. Higuain again moves into the box moments later, but he is offside. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of stoppage time.
No respite for Howard Webb as the English referee books both Bender and Gundogan in quick succession. The latest foul presents Madrid with a free kick some 40 yards from goal. Ronaldo steps up to take the effort, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. That has dropped somewhere in Madrid central.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
So there we have it. Howard Webb brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Madrid started the match on the front foot, but were guilty of missing a host of guilt-edged chances. Dortmund have certainly grown into the half, however, as they enter the break with their 4-1 first-leg lead in tact. Madrid have work to do in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS: Madrid have had more of the possession with 60%, while they have had seven attempts to Dortmund's two. Ronaldo and Ozil were both guilty of missing glorious chances in the early stages of the match, but Lewandowski also had an opportunity to send Dortmund into the lead. Madrid need to find at least three goals in the second half if they are to make it to the final.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Kaka and Karim Benzema, while they also have Sami Khedira, who could be used to release another midfield player. Dortmund, meanwhile, have already been forced into one change, but they still have the likes of Mortiz Leitner, Nuri Sahin and Julian Schieber in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sides of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the final, with the German outfit leading 4-0 from the first leg. No changes for either side at the interval. Right, Madrid get the half underway.
Half-chance for the home side in the early stages of the half as Di Maria delivers a low cross into the box, but Hummels is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is met by Varane, but once more Hummels gets something on the header. Good pressure from Madrid, but another corner comes to nothing as Ramos is penalised for pushing Subotic.
You just get the feeling that the next goal could ultimately decide this match. If Madrid manage to score in the next five minutes or so, then it truly is game on. However, a Dortmund goal and surely it is all over. Once more Madrid attempt to pass and probe outside the box, but Essien is adjudged to have felled Bender. Still no goals on the evening in this semi-final encounter.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the away side as Lewandowski strikes an effort from just outside the box, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid attempt to counter through Ronaldo, but Piszczek fells the Portuguese. It is all very frantic at the moment.
CROSSBAR! Oh my good grief! How are Dortmund not in the lead? Wonderful chance for Lewandowski once more as the Pole collects a pass from Reus before thumping an effort towards goal, but it smashes against the crossbar. Madrid really need to be careful here.
Ronaldo attempts to force the issue down the other end moments later as he meets a cross form Di Maria, but once more Piszczek is across to clear the danger. Ozil is involved with Ronaldo moments later, but the attack breaks down. The Spanish outfit really need to find some sort of inspiration here. How on earth is this still goalless?!
Another half-chance for the home side as Ozil finds Higuain just outside the box, but the Argentine cannot gather under pressure from Hummels. Meanwhile, it appears that Gundogan is struggling for Dortmund at the moment. We are getting to that stage where both managers will be thinking about making changes. Little under 35 minutes remaining. Madrid need three goals without reply.
Madrid do indeed make a double change with Benzema and Kaka replacing Higuain and Coentrao. It has just not happened for Higuain this evening. Time for one of these players to make themselves a hero. However, Dortmund continue to threaten on the counter with the pace of Reus. It is hard not to be impressed by the German outfit.
Madrid have reverted to a three-man defence with Ozil moving to the right. Another half-chance arrives as Ronaldo finds the run of Benzema, but Subotic is across to clear at the vital moment. Ronaldo attempts to go alone moments later, but Blaszczykowski is across to challenge. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.
Benzema is involved once more as he drives into the box before floating a cross towards Ozil, but the German loses possession at the vital moment. Dortmund attempt to break with Reus, but he cannot keep possession. One-way traffic at the moment, but Madrid just cannot find that goal. Meanwhile, Lewandowski versus Ramos continues.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Gundogan meets a cross from Reus, but somehow Lopez makes a wonderful save. That is fabulous from the Spanish stopper. That is why he is keeping Casillas out of the team. Dortmund score there and that is curtains there is no question about that.
Lewandowski wants a penalty moments later as he appears to be pulled back by Ramos, but the referee is not interested. It is a case of 'too many cooks' for Madrid, meanwhile, as Benzema and Ronaldo clash outside the box. The best part of 25 minutes remaining, but Madrid need three goals without reply.
Again Kaka is involved as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to slip a pass towards Ronaldo, but Hummels is across to make the save. Dortmund attempt to break with Reus, but once more he loses possession. Di Maria has a half-chance, but his effort is wide of the post. Meanwhile, third and final change for the home side as Khedira replaces Alonso.
Madrid continue to play their football on the edge of the box, but it is just not failing in the final third with a Dortmund shirt on hand to make the clearance. Time is not on their side, meanwhile, as we enter the final 20 minutes. Another half-chance comes to Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the target.
Another opportunity comes to Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a cross from Ozil, but it was just too high for the striker, who could not direct it on target. You just get the feeling that it is going to be one of those nights for the home side. It is the Dortmund supporters that are making the noise as we move ever-closer to the final whistle. But one goal would give Madrid hope, it almost comes as Kaka meets a cross from Di Maria, but it is wide of the post.
Not too much from Dortmund as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but their manager will not mind with their 4-1 lead still intact. Just a reminder that Madrid have made all three of their changes, but Klopp still has two remaining if he should wish to add fresh legs. Ronaldo attempts to force it down the left once more, but he loses possession at the vital moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Reus finds Lewandowski in the box, but somehow the Pole cannot find the back of the net with Ramos on hand to make a fine block. There is no question that Dortmund feel that they can open the scoring this evening. Little over 10 minutes remaining, Madrid need at least three goals or they are out at the semi-final stage once more.
Madrid attempt to force the issue once more as Modric whips a cross into the box, but once more Hummels is on hand to make a towering clearance. The home side want a free kick outside the box moments later when Hummels appears to handle, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that it should indeed have been given.
Safe to say that Mourinho is not happy with Webb as the remonstrates with the fourth official, but that will not change the decision. His side are running out of time here with little over eight minutes of normal time remaining. Ozil attempts to force another low ball into the box moments later, but once more Hummels is out to clear. It is slipping away from the Spanish side.
The bookings are just starting to arrive for the home side with Ramos and Khedira both picking up yellow cards in the last couple of moments. Dortmund attempt to force another cross into the box through Reus, but Essien clears for a corner. It is almost over. Dortmund are almost into the Champions League final.
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Dortmund (Benzema)
Breakthrough! Madrid have their first of the evening as Benzema converts an Ozil cross at the near post. It is a start, but they need to score twice more. Surely they cannot? Surely? Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Ronaldo and Khedira both have efforts from inside the box, but Dortmund are throwing everything in the way. Madrid have a free kick outside the box moments later as Reus fells Modric. Ozil takes on the set piece, but Ramos's header is blocked by the Dortmund goalkeeper.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ramos meets a cross from Di Maria, but it is straight into the arms of Weidenfeller. Hardly time to take a breath here as the home side continue to force the ball into the box, but once more the danger is cleared. Incredible noise in the stadium.
Dortmund make their second change of the match as Lewandowski is replaced by Kehl. How much time will be added here? Madrid still need to score twice to make it to the final. Modric forces another cross into the box moments later, but Subotic clears.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side once more as Benzema strikes an effort from outside the box, but Weidenfeller makes the save. It is all happening here.
GOAL! Madrid 2-0 Dortmund (Ramos)
Madrid have their second! Oh my word they have their second! Madrid have time to do this now. Can they produce the remarkable? How much added time is the question on everyone's lips.
Problem for Blaszczyowski here as the midfielder hits the deck following a challenge from Ramos. The midfielder is replaced by Santana. We still not have seen the amount of time that will be added here. But I suspect it could be six minutes.
Madrid force the issue with another cross into the box, but Ramos just cannot make contact. The pressure remains as Ronaldo feed a low ball into the box, but it moves out for a corner. Madrid have their backs up here. Can they score?
Half-chance for Ramos as the Spaniard meets the corner from Ozil, but his header is wide of the post. What an opportunity to score that decisive third goal. It appears that five minutes has been added and we are into the third of those.
Ronaldo attempts to force the issue down the left, but he loses possession. Benzama fires another low cross into the box moments later, but again it is Hummels. Time is running out here as we enter the final minute. Dortmund have possession.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (3-4 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Stunning entertainment in the Spanish capital as Madrid score twice late on, but it is not enough to make it to the final. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Good evening!
