Benfica edge out Borussia Dortmund to claim first-leg lead

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a penalty as Dortmund fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first-leg of a last 16 Champions League tie with Benfica at Estádio da Luz, a result that increases pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel.

Benfica were under the cosh for much of the match but when Kostas Mitroglou opened the scoring on 48 minutes the Portuguese side held on for dear life to secure a potentially crucial win.

The visitors had the perfect opportunity to take an early lead when Ousmane Dembele released Aubameyang only for the forward to blaze over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

A brave and crucial block from Benfica’s hot prospect Victor Lindelof denied Dembele a certain goal shortly after as Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to take advantage of their superiority in a one-sided first-half.

Dortmund’s anguish continued after the break as minutes after conceding the opener Aubameyang sent a feeble penalty straight down the middle which Ederson easily saved.

A desperate Tuchel replaced his talisman with over half an hour to play as Dortmund continued to frantically search for an equaliser and despite going close through substitute Chrisitan Pulisic, they still couldn’t find a breakthrough.

It means Dortmund will have to turn the tables on March 8 when they host Benfica for the second-leg if they're to progress to the last eight of the tournament.

Is a potential move away distracting Aubameyang? To say the talisman had an evening to forget would be understatement. On another night, he would have had a hat-trick. The 27-year-old had a poor tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations and his body language was worrying on this occasion. It's not usual for a player of this calibre to produce such a horrendous display and it's obvious his desire to play for Real Madrid is playing on his mind.

Ederson (Benfica): The goalkeeper had the game of his life as he denied Dortmund time after time. Bravely stood still to push away Aubameyang’s penalty and his reactive save to deny Pulisic in the closing stages could prove vital.

Benfica: Ederson 8, Nélson Semedo 7, Luisão 7, Lindelöf 7, Eliseu 6, Fejsa 6, Pizzi 6, Salvio 7, Carrillo 6, Rafa 6, Mitroglou 6. Subs: Augusto 6, Jimenez 6, Cervi 6.

Dortmund: Bürki 5, Bartra 6, Dembélé 6, Reus 6, Guerreiro 6, Aubameyang 4, Sokratis 5, Piszczek 5, Schmelzer 5, Weigl 5, Durm 5. Subs: Schurrie 6, Pulisic 5, Castro 5.

10’ - WHAT A MISS! Dembele steals the ball in midfield and immediately releases Aubameyang through on goal but somehow the Gabon striker blazes over.

22’ - CHANCE! Dortmund win the ball back in midfield with Reus finding Piszczek on the channel, he cuts it back for Dembele whose shot is well saved by Ederson!

48’ - GOAL - Benfica have the lead! Pizzi's cross is met by Luisao, Burki makes the stop on the line but Mitroglou is in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range.

52’ - SITTER! The ball falls kindly to Aubameyang but the Dortmund striker somehow loops the ball over the net with only Ederson to beat. Really poor technique from the forward and Thomas Tuchel shows his rage on the touch-line!

56’ - DORTMUND WIN A PENALTY! The referee doesn't hesitate in pointing to the spot after Feysa handles in the area!

57’ – SAVED - Unbelievable! Aubameyang shoots straight down the middle and Ederson punches it clear.

83’ - GREAT SAVE! Ederson is the hero again as his reaction save denies Pulisic's deflected half-volley from range!

Aubameyang missed three of his last four penalties in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund after converting the first six.

Borussia Dortmund have kept only one clean sheet in the last 13 games in all competitions (1-0 vs RB Leipzig).