"Not many people believed we could do it" - Sebastian Kehl hails BVB after Champions League last 16 qualification

Sebastian Kehl has said that qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 is a real statement of intent from Borussia Dortmund, as they were written off by many following matchday two.

Borussia Dortmund became the first team to secure qualification to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 from the so called group of death on Tuesday evening. The Black and Yellows claimed a 3-1 win over AC Milan to take a three point lead at the top of the Group F standings.

Goals from Marco Reus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi ensured a third straight win in the UEFA Champions League group stage for Borussia Dortmund, who have now sealed their place in the knockout stages with one game to spare.

Sebastian Kehl praised the maturity of his side after the game, and said that not many people believed they would make it to the round of 16.

"It was a real statement of intent to qualify from this group on matchday five. Not many people believed we could do that. We played a very good game and won another away game in the Champions League after a mature performance by the team," Kehl said. "We had a very good tactical set-up and kept creating chances. The team is on the right track. The goal now is to win the group."

Borussia Dortmund's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 appeared to be hanging in the balance after they only managed to collect one point from their opening two games. But back-to-back wins over Newcastle United helped Edin Terzic's side turn the tide, and a memorable win at San Siro then ensured that they will be playing CL football after the turn of the year.