Football
2017-18 UEFA Champions League, Group Stage
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Associated Press 6y

Dortmund's UCL hopes in jeopardy after draw with Apoel Nicosia

Borussia Dortmund's hopes of making the second round of the Champions League took a major blow after being held to a 1-1 at APOEL Nicosia on Tuesday.

After losing their opening games in Group H to Tottenham and Real Madrid, Dortmund needed a win to kick-start their campaign in Europe's premier club competition.

Dortmund, who reached the final in 2013, started well against a side that hadn't scored in its previous six games, but then stagnated as APOEL organised.

Despite suffering a double-blow in the first half when striker Igor De Camargo and goalkeeper Boy Waterman both went off with injuries, APOEL managed to restrict the visitors' space and opportunities.

Dortmund's lacklustre performance continued after the break and the noisy stadium erupted in joy when Mickael Pote ended APOEL's barren run in front of goal -- thanks to a mistake from goalkeeper Roman Burki.

Burki's attempted pass out of the back went straight to Lorenzo Ebecilio, who eluded Marcel Schmelzer and fired a shot that Burki failed to gather. Pote was first to react to score from the rebound.

Greek defender Sokratis equalised five minutes later with a header from Mario Goetze's cross.

Shinji Kagawa struck the crossbar two minutes later after reserve goalkeeper Gudino got a touch to his shot, and Dortmund knew it was out of luck when Gudino and the post denied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in injury time.

With Madrid and Tottenham on seven points after their 1-1 draw in Madrid, Dortmund, with one point, face a tall order to emerge from the group.

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