Borussia Dortmund went into tonight's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Malaga as slight favourites to progress to the last four.
Malaga are unbeaten at La Rosaleda in Europe this season but rode their luck early on as Mario Gotze spurned a pair of gilt-edged chances.
Weligton then went close for the home side before Robert Lewandowski and Gotze both failed to break the deadlock late on.
Look back at a frustrating night for Jurgen Klopp's side with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute commentary below.
6.47pmHello European football fans and welcome to Sports Mole's coverage of what promises to an intriguing Champions League clash from Southern Spain. Malaga entertain Borussia Dortmund tonight as the dark horses aim to shock the Bundesliga champions at La Rosaleda.
6.49pmMalaga's run to the last eight has been a real highlight of this season's competition. Manuel Pellegrini's side have been formidable at home in their Champions League debut and proved too strong for Porto when it counted in the last round.
6.51pmDortmund also come into the quarter-final first leg on a fine run of form in Europe. Jurgen Klopp's exciting side are unbeaten on the continent this season in a run which includes trips to Real Madrid, Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk.
6.53pmBoth sides are full of attacking intent and will look to press in what promises to be a tie which should provide constant action. Malaga's patient passing style will be truly tested by the relentless work ethic of Dortmund.
6.55pmThe visitors definitely enter tonight's tie with more to lose. Dortmund are a staggering 20 points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and were also eliminated by their bitter rivals in the DFB Pokal. Europe represents BVB's last chance of silverware this season so the pressure is definitely on for Klopp's side tonight.
6.57pmDortmund also come into the first leg with a pair of key absentees. Defender Mats Hummels is almost certain to miss out, despite returning to full training this week following an ankle injury. Jakub Błaszczykowski is also a major doubt after sitting out last weekend's win over Stuttgart with a muscle strain.
6.59pmOne positive piece of news for Klopp in the build-up to tonight's tie is the inclusion of Marcel Schmelzer in the travelling squad. Schmelzer broke his nose in the Stuttgart match but is expected to wear a protective mask and play Dortmund from the start this evening.
7.01pmBREAKING TEAM NEWS: We have just received news of the starting lineups from La Rosaleda and as expected Błaszczykowski and Hummels both miss out for Dortmund. One interesting inclusion for Malaga is Javier Saviola, who has pipped Roque Santa Cruz to lead the line for the home side. A full look at both teams will follow shortly.
7.03pmMALAGA: Caballero, Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Antunes, Joaquín, Iturra, Toulalan, Isco, Baptista, Saviola
7.05pmDORTMUND: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Santana, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gündogan, Gotze, Reus, Grosskreutz, Lewandowski
7.07pmBoth sides look very positive on paper, with the onus perhaps on Malaga to make the most of home advantage in the first leg. There are no real surprises in Pelegrini's selection, with Antunes continuing to deputise for the injured Eliseu at left-back.
7.10pmMalaga will once again turn to influential playmaker Isco to unlock the Dortmund defence. The 20-year-old has been nothing short of sensational in this season's Champions League, attracting admirers from across Europe in the process.
7.12pmDortmund have one of Europe's most in-form strikers leading the line tonight in Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward has 13 goals in his last 13 games in all competitions, including strikes in his last nine nine Bundesliga matches to set a new league record.
7.14pmMarco Reus and Mario Gotze will provide support in the final third tonight, with Dortmund always dangerous on the counter thanks to an emerging band of young talent. Ilkay Gundogan has also been a stand-out performer in midfield, linking defence and attack with increasing success.
7.16pmWhile Malaga's home form in this competition is nothing short of excellent, their recent La Liga form has been less than inspiring. Pellegrini's side finally ended a run of four league games without a win last weekend with a 3-1 success at Rayo Vallecano.
7.18pmDortmund have been largely consistent in 2013, with Schalke the only side to beat them in their last six matches. Klopp's side showed exactly why they are genuine contenders in the last round, dispatching Shakhtar with a ruthless home performance after an impressive 2-2 draw in Ukraine. A similar result tonight will represent a successful trip to Spain for BVB.
7.21pmBoth managers have set a respectful but confident tone in their pre-match press conferences. Pellegrini in particular has talked up the prospect of a free-flowing match that will excite both sets of supporters. Time will tell if he is true to his word or playing possum.
7.24pmHere are Pellegrini's comments in full from yesterday's presser. He said: "Nobody gave us a chance at the start of this campaign, but the players have responded so well. We eliminated Porto and that represented a huge achievement for the side. Any plaudits this season have been won out on the pitch. Both teams like to have the ball and are very powerful. I am delighted to be playing Dortmund, as creative as they are. The fans will see a great game.
"Dortmund have a great side, they are current Bundesliga champions and have five players who start for the German national team. They have huge potential, are very creative in midfield, but I think their main strength is in attack. We will try to minimise their strengths while playing to ours.
"What I do know is that it is so important to get a good result to take into the away leg. This tie will be played over 180 minutes and the first 90 will be played at home, where we have to neutralise their game and try to impose ours. However, the outcome will most likely be decided in Dortmund."
7.26pmKlopp has been typically enthusiastic with his pre-match words, but has admitted that Dortmund's eggs are all in one basket and focused on their biggest game of the season tonight.
7.29pmThe Dortmund coach had plenty to say in his press conference last night, here is a taste below.
Klopp said: "We have seen and analysed a lot of Málaga games. They've been doing really well and are an experienced team with strong defensive and offensive systems. The tie is open, it's a great opportunity, and we are happy to play Málaga.
"We've played well in this season's Champions League and we want to produce more good performances. We can't say we will be disappointed if Málaga beat us – the name of the opposition doesn't matter, because Málaga are a very good side and Manuel Pellegrini is an excellent coach. We are concentrated on this game.
"Many teams have been eliminated, and Málaga and ourselves are still involved. There will be good games in these quarter-finals but I think this will be one of the best matches in the competition. The most important game of the season is this one. We want to reach the semi-finals, so let's see what happens."
7.31pmWhile Pellegrini's stock has definitely risen this season, he has previous in taking a Champions League debutante into the latter stages. During his tenure at Villareal he guided the Yellow Submarines all the way to the semi-finals in their first season in the tournament. English football fans may remember that run in 2005-06, which was ended in dramatic circumstances by Arsenal in the last four.
7.34pmJust to emphasise the point that Malaga are stepping into the unknown tonight, this is the first time they have ever faced German opposition in Europe. The Blue and Whites have nothing to lose tonight, which makes them extremely dangerous opposition.
7.37pmHistorically Dortmund have a poor record in Spain, with just win in nine visits to the country. Klopp's side did pick up an impressive 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu earlier this season with a result which goes a long way to exercising those demons.
7.39pmDortmund are the only unbeaten side left in the competition, which alone represents just how far the German giants have come this season. Malaga will need to maintain a focused, diligent approach to have any chance of securing a victory this evening.
7.41pmOne individual battle worth watching out for is the clash between the two youngest players on the field. At just 20-years-old Isco and Gotze will be handed the responsibility of dictating their respective side's supply lines tonight. If either playmaker can stand out tonight it may go a long way to deciding which team has the advantage ahead of next week's second leg.
7.43pmPREDICTION! Just before both teams take the field in Spain there is just time to get my take on the tie. Dortmund have proved too strong for a host of Europe's elite this season, and despite a tight clash I don't expect that to change tonight. Malaga are capable of scoring tonight but at the other end Dortmund look in supreme form. Expect Lewandowski to find the net in a 2-1 win for BVB!
7.45pmThe famous Champions League theme is ringing out in La Rosaleda, with a passionate Malga crowd proudly signing along. The pre-match routines are just about finished, with Schmelzer sporting a very distinctive mask to protect his broken nose. Kickoff is just moments away in what promises to be an exciting quarter-final first leg.
2 minDortmund get the match underway and immediately settle into a brilliant midfield exchange between Kehl and Gundogan. Malaga eventually regain possession and win a free-kick as Baptista is brought down in his own half.
4 minDortmund are just about shading a bright opening as Lewandowski puts Demichelis under pressure to win a throw in the final third. The visitors drive down the wing through Gotze, who is eventually crowded out by three Malaga defenders.
6 minThe home side launch a long ball forward that nearly catches Dortmund out in defence. Slack marking presents Saviola with the chance to control, but his first touch is poor and allows Subotic to recover and clear his lines.
9 minSHOT! Both sides are on the attack within a minute as the match begins to open up. First Gotze has a shot from range blocked, with Malaga taking advantage to break with speed. Saviola shows a clever touch to wriggle free in the penalty area, but elects to shoot rather than pick Isco out at the far post. His low strike is well wide but signals Malaga's intention to play with efficiency on the counter.
11 minSchmelzer manages to beat the offside trap out wide and send in a dangerous cross, which Malaga eventually clear at the third time of asking. The home side are let off the hook as Lewandowski strays into an offside position after attempting to meet a late Gotze flick.
13 minDortmund are definitely targeting the left wing as an area to hurt Malaga by keeping their full-backs high up the pitch. The home side finally regain possession and attack through Jesus Gamez, who breaks down the right before crossing into the penalty area. Felipe Santana is well placed to smash upfield under little pressure as Klopp's men are forced to drop a little deeper.
16 minSAVE! The first big chance of the night has fallen Dortmund's way. Gotze took advantage of a lapse in concentration to run clear, but his tame low effort is tipped round the post by Caballero. After getting lucky with the offside decision Gotze should really have done better with the finish.
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18 minIsco shows quick feet to dart past Kehl, but is fouled by the Dortmund captain to win a free kick. Malaga look neat and tidy on the ball but are struggling to breach a disciplined Dortmund defence at this stage.
20 minYELLOW CARD! Kevin Gorsskreutz has picked up the game's first caution for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Gamez. There was little contact but the late lunge is enough to earn a booking.
22 minCHANCE! The visitors should really be ahead after spurning another chance to break the deadlock. A brilliant counter was launched by Gundogan, who picked out Gotze with a precise reverse pass. The playmaker had time but elected to shoot first time, with his powerful strike too central and easily saved by the feet of Caballero. Will Dortmund regret missing two gilt-edged opportunities inside 25 minutes?
24 minMalaga need to regroup and establish a spell of possession as a matter of urgency. Dortmund look comfortable on what is a magnificent playing surface at La Rosaleda, with Lewandowski and Reus using clever movement to combine in the final third.
26 minYELLOW CARD! Dortmund have a goal ruled out for offside, with Lewandowki just drifting beyond the last man. Just a quick confirmation that Antunes also picked up a booking a few minutes ago for a late tackle.
28 minSHOT! Reus is next to test Caballero, but once again his powerful drive is too central and leaves the Argentine stopper to make a routine save with his feet. Dortmund's swift movement in the final third has left Malaga exposed on a number of occasions this evening.
30 minSAVE! Malaga have their first sniff of chance courtesy of a mistake from Reus. His lazy pass inside gave Isco the chance to pick out Saviola, but Weidenfeller was quick off his line to avert danger.
32 minYELLOW CARD! Weligton has conceded a free kick right on the edge of his own penalty area after dragging back Lewandowski. He will miss the next match through suspension, but more importantly Dortmund now have a golden opportunity to take the lead.
34 minSHOT! Reus wins the battle take but his curling effort drifts wide of the far post. Caballero is relieved man after being left rooted to the spot by a clever effort back across the wall.
36 minA superb slalom through two defenders from Iturra has Joaquin in behind the Dortmund back four out wide. With Saviola waiting in the six-yard box he picks the wrong pass and sends an aimless lofted ball towards the back post. Malaga needed their experienced winger to show a little more composure at the crucial moment in that rare attack.
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38 minLewandowski isolates Weligton and shifts the ball inside with a chance to shoot. Despite a brilliant touch to find space in the penalty area the Polish forward slips and can only send a scuffed shot into the grateful arms of Caballero, who has been a busy man in the first half.
40 minMalaga have definitely come into this match in the last five minutes. Isco is the latest player to threaten, drifting in behind before having his shot blocked by Piszczek on the cover.
42 minDortmund ride their luck as Weidenfeller spills an easy catch, which is just inches from falling to Saviola in the six-yard box. A rare lapse in concentration from Klopp's side could have cost them dear on another night. Malaga have got a second wind and now don't want half-time to come.
44 minSAVE! Since Joaquin switched to the right wing Malaga have got some joy on the flank. His latest surge wins a corner which gives the home side their best effort of the match. From the resulting corner Toulalan sends a header towards goal, which is kept out by a brilliant scooping save from Weidenfeller. Dortmund are now hanging on towards the end of the half.
45 min+1And just as I talk up Malaga's revival, Dortmund race up the other end and force Caballero back into action. After neat work from Gundogan and Lewandowski the ball fell to Kehl, who decided to launch a curling drive from range. The Malaga keeper had time on his side and palmed the ball wide with a forceful save.
8.33pmHALF-TIME Malaga 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
8.35pmWell despite the lack of goals at La Rosaleda that was a thoroughly entertaining first 45 minutes. Dortmund have shaded territory and chances thanks to their willingness to press high up the pitch. Mario Gotze in particular has been guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances to put the visitors ahead from close range.
8.37pmMalaga have struggled at times to match their opponents, but did look bright towards the end of the first half. Weligton had the home side's best chance with a free header, but was kept at bay by a fine stop from Weidenfeller.
8.40pmSCORE UPDATE! Just a quick update from tonight's other Champions League quarter-final from the Bernabeu. Real Madrid are in control against Galatasaray and lead 2-0, courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
8.42pmBack in Malaga both sides may well turn to their benches for a way of breaking the deadlock. Dortmund have former Liverpool loanee Nuri Sahin on the bench, but in fairness the visitors have looked a genuine threat throughout the first 45 minutes.
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8.44pmThe home side have a number of options in forward positions, with Roque Santa Cruz the most likely man to appear in the second half. The nomadic Paraguayan scored the goal which eased Malaga past Porto in the last round and has proven a clinical finisher throughout his career.
8.46pmMalaga will be in a precarious position in the score stays the same late into the second half. Pellegrini will have to decide whether to stick or twist in search of an advantage to take to Dortmund for next week's second leg.
8.48pmBoth sides have resisted the urge to make changes as they emerge for the second half. Will either side be able to break the deadlock and seize the initiative in perhaps the most even quarter-final tie to date?
47 minMalaga get the second period underway and immediately launch an attack down the right through Joaquin. Dortmund clear quickly and mount an attack of their own. Reus darts in the box and wants a penalty for handball, but his protests are waved away by the referee.
49 minCHANCE! Lewandowski has just fluffed his lines badly from eight yards. The striker was completely unmarked after a precise cutback from Gotze, but could only scuff his effort well wide of the far post. That was probably Dortmund's best opening of the match as Malaga continue to ride their luck.
51 minSaviola brings a Malaga break to an abrupt end by sliding in to bring down Santana after a heavy first touch. The Dortmund defender is quick to fall and gratefully receives the free kick. This match is far more exciting than the scoreline would have you believe.
53 minMalaga are definitely playing a higher line early in the second half and looking to press the action. That is dangerous against a Dortmund side full of running, but a gamble clearly Pellegrini thinks is worth taking.
55 minDemichelis concedes a free kick for his over-zealous challenge on Lewandowski. The former Bayern defender has been a towering presence for Malaga but has struggled to deal with movement in-behind so far this evening.
57 minMalaga settle into a neat spell of possession, without troubling a disciplined Dortmund defence. Subotic and Gungodan eventually win back possession for the home side, but their break is stopped in its tracks as Gotze is penalised for a foul in the final third.
60 minFor the first time the blistering pace of the first 45 minutes appears to be catching up with both sides. Malaga are definitely shading possession but still can't find a way past Subotic and Santana, who are dealing comfortably with Saviola in an isolated position.
62 minPiszczek wins a corner after a marauding run forward from full-back. Malaga successfully clear the corner and two long-throw attempts but Dortmund are able to win back the ball high up the pitch as Kehl and Gundogan quickly spring into action in a packed midfield.
64 minGotze beats the offside trap and twists inside Antunes, but fails to pick out Lewandowski with his final pass. The playmaker has been bright but has not quite been composed when it matters in the penalty area.
66 minMISS! Once again from point-blank range Gotze has been unable to hit the target. After latching onto a clever pass from Gundogan the 20-year-old had time to pick his spot, but aimed a low finish past the far post. Dortmund have now spurned at last four great opportunities to break the deadlock, and three of them have fallen to Gotze.
69 minSAVE! At the other end Malaga work a chance of their own as Isco keeps Weidenfeller honest with a low central strike. The shot had plenty of power but the Dortmund keeper punched well clear rather than risk catching in a packed penalty area.
71 minSUBSTITUTION! Malaga send on fresh legs in attack, with Saviola replaced by the youngster Francisco Portillo.
73 minSUBSTITUTION! Dortmund respond with an attacking change of their own, swapping Marco Reus for Julian Schieber. Reus has not been at his best tonight but still looks disappointed to be withdrawn with just under 20 minutes left to play.
75 minPortillo shows neat feet with his first meaningful touch out wide to find Baptista and launch an attack for the home side. Not for the first time tonight Gundogan is well placed to snuff out the danger with a clever interception. Dortmund still look the more likely side to bag a crucial away goal, but how much do they want to chase it as we head towards the closing stages?
77 minSUBSTITUTION! Malaga make another change to rotate their forward line as Julio Baptista is replaced by Roque Santa Cruz. The veteran striker scored the goal which edged his side past Porto in the last round but he has less than 15 minutes to make a telling contribution this evening.
79 minYELLOW CARD! Iturra gets a well-deserved yellow card for cynically bringing down Lewandowski on the halfway line. He will now join Weligton in missing the second leg through suspension after picking up his third yellow card of the knockout stages.
81 minSUBSTITUTION! Dortmund make their second change and its a straight swap in central midfield. Sebastian Kehl is replaced by Sven Bender, who will look to provide fresh legs alongside Gundogan in the final few minutes.
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83 minSHOTS! Antunez elects to shoot from range rather than attempt a difficult pass into the penalty area. His choice is bad one as a wayward effort sails well over the crossbar from 30 yards. Dortmund take the goal kick short to keep possession and eventually work the ball to Schieber, who cuts inside before blasting over from a tight angle.
85 minIsco concedes a free kick after bringing down Gotze near the halfway line. Schmelzer take the set piece short to Gundogan, but his lofted chip towards the far post is poor and ends up gliding harmlessly to Caballero.
87 minSUBSTITUTION! Malaga make their final change, bringing off a tired Isco for Duda, who will provide pace and power in a defensive role for the final few minutes.
89 minThe home side win a free kick in the final third late on as Santana commits a silly foul to bring down Santa Cruz near the corner flag. Malaga have plenty forward but take it short to Antunez, who again fires over the far post. With a packed penalty ares surely the more intelligent choice was a whipped ball into the danger zone.
90 min+1Schieber smashes well over the bar as we head into three minute of added time. Piszczek and Lewandowski attempt to charge down the right but are stopped by an important interception from Weligton.
90 min+2SUBSTITUTION! With seconds remaining Dortmund swap Gotze for Oliver Kirch. Gotze has endured a torrid night infront of goal and could have easily bagged two vital away goals with more clinical finishing in the final third.
9.38pmFULL-TIME Malaga 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
9.40pmDespite a bright start in Southern Spain neither side were able to break the deadlock in a hard-fought first leg this evening. All eyes will now turn to the second leg in Dortmund next Tuesday.
9.42pmDortmund will definitely leave La Rosaleda the more disappointed side after spurning numerous chances to take an advantage back to the Westfalen. Gotze, Lewandowski and Reus were all guilty of failing to convert as the tie remains finely poised at 0-0.
9.45pmThat just about does it for tonight's Champions League minute-by-minute commentary. Thanks for joining Sports Mole and be sure to stay tuned for analysis in around 30 minutes. Goodnight!
