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Zenit Victory Not Enough To See Off Dortmund

 

Borussia Dortmund limped into the quarter-finals of the Champions League after being beaten 2-1 by Zenit St Petersburg – but that was enough for them to go through 5-4 on aggregate.

The first-leg win in Russia always looked like being enough for last season’s runners-up to progress, and indeed it was – but only just.

Zenit pushed forward from the first whistle and their lead was fully justified as Hulk smashed a wonderful shot past Roman Weidenfeller just 16-minutes in.

Dortmund, though, managed to get level just before the break when captain Sebastian Kehl headed home a brilliant cross from Marcel Schmelzer – although Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev got both hands to the ball and will feel he could have done better.

Zenit were given a little hope when substitute Jose Rondon stooped to head home Domenico Criscito’s cross with 17 minutes left, but another two goals was just too much to ask from the Russian outfit – whose performance on the night will no doubt have pleased their in-coming coach Andre-Villas Boas, who officially takes charge on Thursday.

Instead it is Jurgen Klopp who guides his side into the last eight once again, and he will be thankful his side managed to build up a hefty first-leg advantage.

Another significant negative for Klopp was a yellow card for star striker Robert Lewandowski, ruling him out of their next match.