Borussia Dortmund come from behind to beat Zenit and finish top in Group F

Borussia Dortmund had to do it the hard way, but they ultimately got the job done as they came from behind to beat Zenit St. Petersburg 2-1.

Needing to match Lazio’s result on the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Borussia Dortmund were without nine first team players due to injuries and illness. Lucien Favre named a much-changed starting XI, with Marco Reus, Thorgan Hazard, Jude Bellingham and Lukasz Piszczek among those coming into the team. Borussia Dortmund struggled to create clear-cut openings in the first half, and it was Zenit who took the lead early on.

One time Borussia Dortmund transfer target Sebastián Driussi scored the opener for Zenit, although the goal had more than a stroke of good fortune to it as the ball deflected into the net off of Mats Hummels’ foot.

Thorgan Hazard nearly brought Borussia Dortmund level just two minutes later, but the Zenit goalkeeper made a good save to deny him. Jude Bellingham had the Black and Yellows’ best chance of the first half. But he failed to find the target with a free header from Nico Schulz’ cross. Marco Reus then came close with a sweet strike from the edge of the box, but his effort hit the post and Dortmund went into the break a goal down.

Zenit began the second half on the front foot, and they nearly doubled their lead moments after the restart. But Marwin Hitz pulled off a vital double save to keep his side in the game.

Borussia Dortmund finally started to play with more purpose after Lucien Favre decided to bring on Youssoufa Moukoko for his Champions League debut. At the age of 16 years and 18 days, the striker became the youngest player to ever play in the competition. Moukoko showed glimpses of his quality, but it was 35-year old Lukasz Piszczek who brought Borussia Dortmund back on level terms. The Pole showed great awareness to tap the ball home from a corner after Mats Hummels’ effort was deflected.

With Borussia Dortmund needing a winner, another veteran stepped up to deliver. Axel Witsel showed his excellent precision by finding the bottom corner with a low drive from the edge of the box to turn the game around and make it 2-1.

Zenit worked hard to find a late equaliser in front of their fans, but Borussia Dortmund held on to claim the three points and secure top spot in Group F. Finishing top means that the Black and Yellows will avoid all the other group winners in Monday’s Champions League round of 16 draw.