Chuba Akpom watched in pain as Lille’s dream of a historic UEFA Champions League quarter-final came crashing down after Borussia Dortmund staged a comeback to win 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
Chuba Akpom entered the fray late, hoping to influence the outcome, but his efforts weren’t enough to save Les Dogues from heartbreak at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Footballrover reports.
The French side had drawn inspiration from PSG’s progress the night before and started brightly, taking the lead within five minutes.
Ismaily’s surging run and cutback found Jonathan David, whose seemingly harmless shot slipped past Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel in goal.
Lille pressed for a second, but Rémy Cabella failed to capitalize, and the visitors gradually found their rhythm.
Chuba Akpom joins the fight, but Lille falter
With Dortmund gaining momentum, they tested Lille’s defense repeatedly. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier produced heroic saves to deny Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy, while Pascal Groß struck the crossbar in a chaotic first half.
Despite Lille holding onto their lead at halftime, the pressure soon told.
Dortmund leveled from the penalty spot when Thomas Meunier brought down Guirassy, allowing Emre Can to fire home.
With the tie hanging in the balance, Chuba Akpom was introduced for the final 23 minutes, but could only register a single shot.
Lille’s desperate attempts to reclaim control were undone when Maximilian Beier smashed home Dortmund’s winner, sealing their place in the last eight.
Lille’s Champions League dream ends in agony
David and Akpom had late chances, but Kobel stood firm as Dortmund held on.
Lille’s elimination marks just their third home defeat in 17 matches, shifting their focus back to Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, Dortmund’s European journey continues, with Barcelona awaiting them in the quarter-finals.
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