Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick, with two of those strikes being assisted by Christian Pulisic, and the 18-year-old American registered his first Champions League goal as Borussia Dortmund eased past Benfica and into the Champions League quarterfinals, winning 4-1 on aggregate.
Dortmund were kicking themselves after throwing away a number of great opportunities in the first leg and found themselves trailing 1-0 in the tie before today’s match. However, those frustrations were quickly forgotten when Aubameyang opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
A corner kick met the head of Pulisic, whose great flick found Aubameyang free at the back post to nod in the opening goal.
Dream start for BVB as Pulisic gets the assist, flicking it on to Aubameyang for the early goal. #UCL #BVBSBL https://t.co/gi9ZpX4UbT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 8, 2017
Benfica were resolute in defense and dangerous going forward, and the scoreline stood at 1-0, 1-1 on aggregate, going into the second half. It had been a nervy opening 45 for Dortmund outside of Aubameyang’s goal.
But in the 59th minute, Pulisic made himself the hero with a composed finish after being played through on goal. His deftly chipped finish was the perfect way to open his Champions League account.
PULISIC! What a finish, and what a moment to get your 1st career Champions League goal! @cpulisic_10 #UCL #BVBSLB https://t.co/GADtrg7qBT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 8, 2017
Aubameyang scored Dortmund’s third, effectively ending the tie, after tapping in a low cross from Marcel Schmelzer.
Aubameyang got his hat-trick in the 85th minute with Pulisic providing his second assist of the night.
#UCL #Dortmund #Benfica #live
85' Pierre-Emerick #Aubameyang #goal & #tris #ChampionsLeague 2016/17 #BVBSLB #GOTW pic.twitter.com/FxKDu6eWY0— FIFA Soccer Team (@FifaSoccerTeam) March 8, 2017
Dortmund have joined Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals.
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