Adeyemi Alone Not Enough: Dortmund Faces Champions League Exit

Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance after a disappointing 1-1 draw against OSC Lille in the first leg of the round of 16. Despite Karim Adeyemi’s stunning first-half goal, BVB failed to capitalize, allowing their French opponents back into the game and leaving themselves vulnerable ahead of the second leg in France.

Adeyemi, who has been in exceptional form, showcased his brilliance once again with a spectacular drop-kick goal in the 22nd minute. The packed Signal Iduna Park, with 81,365 fans in full voice, erupted in celebration, hopeful of a crucial home victory. However, after the break, Dortmund lost momentum, fell into a defensive shell, and invited Lille to attack. Their passive approach proved costly, as Hakon Arnar Haraldsson punished their lapse in concentration with a 68th-minute equalizer.

“We had to win at home. The fans were incredible, and it’s disappointing that we couldn’t deliver,” Adeyemi told Prime Video after the match. “We might have been tired, but that’s no excuse. We weren’t sharp enough. Now we have to win the return leg—no other option.”

Dortmund’s lack of intensity after the interval raised concerns. Captain Emre Can admitted the team “was not good at all” in the second half, as Lille gradually gained confidence. The French side, under new boss Niko Kovač, struggled to break through initially but capitalized on Dortmund’s defensive lapse when Benjamin André set up Haraldsson for the equalizer.

Dortmund had opportunities to double their lead in the first half, particularly when Bafodé Diakité’s error gifted Julian Brandt a golden chance, only for the German playmaker to squander it. Nico Schlotterbeck also threatened with a powerful long-range effort, while Pascal Groß had a goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time before the break.

In contrast, Lille’s attack, featuring 18-year-old Ethan Mbappé—brother of Kylian—struggled for much of the game. However, Dortmund’s increasingly passive approach allowed them to grow into the contest, and Haraldsson’s strike ultimately punished BVB’s reluctance to push forward.

With the return leg looming, Dortmund must regroup quickly. Lille’s home advantage and their defensive resilience mean that Edin Terzić’s side will need a more ruthless attacking display to avoid an early exit from Europe’s premier competition. Adeyemi has proven he can step up in big moments, but if Dortmund wants to progress, the entire team must rise to the occasion.