Borussia Dortmund go into the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against Tottenham Hotspur with a 3-0 lead, following a superb display against a weakened Spurs lineup at Signal Iduna Park.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s unstoppable header gave the home team the lead half an hour into the game. However, Tottenham’s chances did not quite look as bleak then, as the teams went into half time with the scoreline at 1-0.
However, the need for certain first-team absentees like Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele was felt in the second half, as Dortmund’s attack pierced through the heart of the visitors’ midfield and extended their lead.
Spurs fans were unhappy with Mauricio Pochettino’s team selection for the game, with the Argentine effectively fielding a second-string lineup. Here are some of the best reactions from the game:
Poor marking by #thfc but good movement and a great header from Aubameyang #bvb
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 10, 2016
Bordering on blistering this from Dortmund. Five good chances in the first 15 minutes,and Mkhitaryan bristling. Real test for Spurs.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmithTimes) March 10, 2016
Let’s be honest, Borussia Dortmund are a Champions League side playing in the Europa League..back where they belong next season.
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) March 10, 2016
Look, Pochettino’s starting lineup is understandable. But a hammering in Dortmund is going to damage their title hopes more than any injury.
— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) March 10, 2016
When you field a weakened XI at Borussia Dortmund in order to face the worst team in the league on the weekend. pic.twitter.com/e969FSUe9g
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) March 10, 2016
Why have Spurs put their reserves out in a big European game?
— Tweeds (@JoeTweedie) March 10, 2016
English clubs should form a separate competition from these difficult European tournaments. They could call it the “Premier League.”
— Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) March 10, 2016
That midfield… #thfc #COYS pic.twitter.com/Bdl1ul70ON
— Dan Perry (@dantperry) March 10, 2016
To think how excited everyone was to get Dortmund and then we put out a midfield like that.. #COYS #THFC
— Jessica O’Leary-Nash (@jolearynash) March 10, 2016
.. Glad I didn’t go to Dortmund after all #COYS
— Jessica O’Leary-Nash (@jolearynash) March 10, 2016
Shouldn’t Kane start tonight against Dortmund? It is only Villa on Sunday after all. #thfc #coys
— DRayMorton (@SoccerStash) March 10, 2016
