Controversial penalty call helps PSV Eindhoven earn 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund

It is all to play for in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie between Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven, after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.

Donyell Malen's first-half strike was cancelled out by Luuk de Jong's penalty after the break, as the in-form PSV Eindhoven managed to earn a share of the spoils against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. But the game wasn't without controversy, as the referee's decision to award the home side a penalty was certainly a dubious one.

Still, Borussia Dortmund can take solace from a job well done against a PSV Eindhoven side that played with great intensity and created a host of chances. The Black and Yellows came to the Netherlands looking for a draw, and got exactly that. While the tie is very much in the balance, BVB will certainly fancy their chances of beating PSV at home next month.

Edin Terzic received a big boost ahead of kick-off as Donyell Malen was able to recover from his injury to go up against his former club. But then came a huge blow, with Gregor Kobel picking up a muscle injury during the pre-match warm-up and Alexander Meyer filling in between the sticks. Mats Hummels also came into the team in place of the ill Niklas Süle.

Borussia Dortmund were set up to be disciplined and organised in the defensive third right from the get go. And PSV dominated proceedings, creating a few decent opportunities to score early on. The away side still carried an attacking threat on the counter-attack, with Malen especially looking lively.

And it was the Dutchman who opened the scoring out of almost absolutely nothing. He collected the ball on the edge of the box before darting past two players and firing his shot past Walter Benítez's reach.

PSV stepped their attacking play up a notch following Malen's opener. But poor finishing let them down time and time again, allowing Borussia Dortmund to take a slender lead into the half-time break.

The Eredivisie leaders began the second-half in similar fashion, and their dominance finally paid off in the 56th minute. Although there was certainly plenty of good fortune about that goal, with BVB left aggrieved after a questionable penalty call against Mats Hummels. The veteran centre-back seemed to have gotten the ball before bringing down Malik Tillman, but the referee was quick to point to the spot. Luuk de Jong found the bottom corner from the spot-kick to bring PSV back on level terms.

There were no more goals in the game, although substitute Marius Wolf hit the post for Borussia Dortmund, while Sergiño Dest came closest to scoring for PSV. BVB defended well, especially in the second-half, and managed to avoid defeat in the end.

It is half-time in the tie, and things are very much in the balance. Borussia Dortmund will welcome PSV Eindhoven to the Westfalenstadion for the second leg on March 13.