Borussia Dortmund

Athletic short of luck in Dortmund

Despite a great second half at Signal Iduna Park, with a 2-2 scoreline on the cards, Athletic fell to a 4-1 loss

Athletic Club suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat on their first visit to the imposing Signal Iduna Park. It was a harsh result for Ernesto Valverde's side, who had the Germans on the ropes thanks to a great second half, which included a goal ruled out for offside and a great Robert Navarro chance to make it 2-2.

The Lions were backed to the hilt by nearly 4,000 travelling fans who never abandoned them and who showed the world what it means to be an Athleticzale.

The home side dominated the first half in Dortmund, Daniel Svensson making Athletic pay for a mistake after a great move by Karim Adeyemi.

It was the first blow of the night. The second came just after the start of the second half, when Marcel Sabitzer set up Carney Chukwuemeka to make it 2-0.

With nothing to lose, and showing no fear in front of the mighty Yellow Wall, Athletic played beautifully. Alejandro Rego and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta bossed the midfield, while Navarro ran riot down the right wing.

Maroan and Unai Gómez tested Gregor Kobel for the first time of the night. Substitute Gorka Guruzeta gave Athletic a glimmer of hope on the hour mark. The forward pounced on a loose ball and fired past the Swiss goalkeeper.

The Red-and-White tide in the stands made itself felt on the pitch. Navarro had a goal disallowed for offside and the winger almost made it 2-2 minutes later when he struck over the bar after a superb cut inside off the left wing.

The final blow came when Navarro once again danced along the byline and set up Guruzeta, who was robbed in front of goal...

Dortmund's final two punches came with a lucky goal for Serhou Guirassy, quickly followed by another for Julian Brandt.

Debutant Ibon Sánchez had a go from distance in the dying minutes but his effort was saved by Kobel. It was not to be. Athletic are making progress but we need a bit more luck.

The Lions are not out of the competition yet. But now it's time to focus on LaLiga with RCD Mallorca visiting San Mames this Saturday.

We return to the Champions League on October 22 when we welcome Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag FK to The Cathedral.