Champions League: Karim Adeyemi’s Goal Sinks Chelsea, Club Brugge Humbled

Karim Adeyemi’s spectacular solo goal against Chelsea helped Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League round of 16 first-leg matchup against the star-studded Premier League side.

After Joao Felix missed a shot from a good position in the first half and later hit the crossbar, the Premier League club bemoaned squandered opportunities in the Champions League game.

Reece James forced Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make two outstanding saves in the second half as the visitors gained momentum against the home club.

However, a Chelsea corner midway through the second half set up a counterattack goal from Nigerian-born German youngster, Adeyemi, who broke from within his half and defeated goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before placing the ball into the open net.

Enzo Fernandez thought he had equalized in the last seconds of stoppage time but his goalbound long-range strike was stopped superbly by Kobel as Dortmund held on.

The defeat leaves Graham Potter’s side with the task of overturning the one goal deficit when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on March 7.

Club Brugge Humbled By Benfica

Benfica overcame Club Bruges in Scott Parker’s debut Champions League match as manager of the Belgian champions.

Four minutes after the break, Jack Hendry brought down Goncalo Ramos in the penalty area, and Joao Mario converted the spot-kick despite Simon Mignolet pushing his shot against the underside of the bar.

David Neres extended the visitors’ lead late in the game after a defensive error.

Parker, who took over as manager of Bruges in December, is now faced with the challenge of sending his team into the quarterfinals by overturning the two goals deficit.

The second leg of the round of 16 match will be played in Lisbon on March 7.