The German giants Borussia Dortmund secured their first Champions League spot in the group stage after defeating Hertha BSC in a decisive match at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
Dortmund had been one of the favorites to qualify for the competition, but their impressive performance against Hertha proved too much for them. The team dominated possession and created plenty of chances in the opening half-hour, but it was only in the second period that they broke through.
In the end, Dortmund's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save to deny Hertha's efforts to score, as he produced a superb save to keep out a powerful shot from Christian Eriksen. The victory meant that Dortmund were now guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Real Madrid or Manchester City.
The result also saw Dortmund become the first team from Germany to reach the final of the European Cup since Schalke 04 in 2015. The victory was also the first time Dortmund have reached the final of Europe's premier club tournament since 1986.
For Dortmund, this victory is a huge boost for the team's confidence ahead of the rest of the season. They will be looking to build on their success in the Champions League when they host Atletico Madrid on Saturday evening.