Dortmund advance following hard-fought draw

Following their early elimination from the Champions League and their disappointing displays in the Bundesliga this term, a strong Europa League campaign is the minimum the Dortmund faithful expect from their side and the club ensured that their European journey would extend at least one round longer after sealing a 1-1 draw with Atalanta to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Dortmund began the 2017/18 season terribly, but their fortunes have picked up since Peter Stoger took the reins and the Germans showed their battling spirit on Thursday to demonstrate why many consider them among the favourites to life the Europa League in May.

Just like in the first leg, Dortmund struggled to come back after going behind but they eventually did enough.

Whilst Josip Illicic put Atalanta ahead at the Westfalenstadion it was Rafael Toloi's turn this time around, with the Brazilian taking advantage of Roman Burki's mistake to open the scoring after just 11 minutes.

At that point, another Atalanta goal would have left Dortmund needing two to advance, but the Germans ensured it was they who got the game's all important second goal with substitute Marcel Schmelzer ending Atalanta's European dreams just seven minutes from time to book Dortmund's place in Friday's last-16 draw.