Real Madrid failed to score without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo and only just hung on to advance to its fourth straight Champions league semifinal after losing 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
With its star striker on the bench because of a left-knee injury, Madrid could afford to miss an early penalty and still go through 3-2 on aggregate. “We are pleased to have reached the semis, that was our goal. But we are not pleased with the way we did it,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
Marco Reus scored in the 24th and 37th minutes, both times after Madrid mistakes, while Dortmund wasted several excellent opportunities in the second half, including a shot against the post.
Nine-time champion Madrid has lost in the semifinals for the past three years — and was eliminated last season by Dortmund. Robert lewandowski, who scored four goals in a 4-1 home win for Dortmund last season, returned after suspension but failed to score.
Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said he was “proud of the image” his team projected — but lamented its failure to score in Madrid. “That is where we lost this tie, we played badly there,” Klopp said.
Madrid had some late chances but failed to find the net for the first time after a record run of 34 Champions league matches with at least one goal scored. Dortmund dominated in the first half despite conceding a generously awarded penalty.
A cross from Fabio Coentrao in the 17th minute hit lukasz Piszczek in the arm. Angel Di Maria took the spot kick but Roman Weidenfeller dived to his left and saved the shot. Reus opened the scoring after a botched attempt by Pepe to head a long ball back to Iker Casillas. The Madrid keeper mistimed his approach and Reus chipped the ball past him before slotting home.
Reus doubled the lead after another mistake by Madrid as it tried to move the ball forward. Reus passed to Robert lewandowski, whose shot hit the post, but Reus was there to drive the rebound into the roof of the net. Casillas then saved two more attempts from the Armenian.