Dortmund beat Sporting in Champions League tie

Borussia Dortmund advanced into the knockout stages of the Champions League after a goal from Adrian Ramos saw them edge past Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-0 in a group stage clash here.

The "BVB" progressed into the round of last 16 ahead of schedule as Thomas Tuchel's men defended their top spot in Group F with the 1-0 victory over Sporting on home soil on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

From the start, both sides staged an offensively minded performance. Thus, it took only twelve minutes before the opener was marked. The hosts broke the deadlock through Adrian Ramon, who headed home Matthias Ginter's cross into the box.

In the 27th minute Sporting reaped their first promising opportunity but Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki saved Glenson Martins' shot on target. The Sporting striker was in the thick of things moments later when defender Marc Bartra blocked another shot on target.

However, the hosts should have added another goal to their lead in the 34th minute as Christian Pulisic rattled the woodwork following a combination via Mario Goetze.

After the restart, Dortmund were unable to set the visitors from Portugal under pressure. Yet, Andre Schuerrle's dangerous free kick on target forced Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio to make a diving safe in the 74th minute.

Sporting pressed for the equalizer but Dortmund's well-positioned defence was able to protect the narrow 1-0 lead to the final whistle.

With this result, Dortmund remain atop the standings in Group F with 10 points followed by Real Madrid (eight points), Sporting Clube de Portugal (three points) and Legia Warszawa (one point).

--IANS

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