Kovac simply pleased to progress from Sporting tie after goalless draw

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac was pleased with the level of control his team showed in their 0-0 draw at home to Sporting in the Champions League play-off knockout round.

That result helped see the German side through to the round of 16, where they will face either Aston Villa or Lille, following a 3-0 away win in the first leg.

While the match itself had no goals, with Serhou Guirassy seeing a penalty saved, Kovac was a happy man to see his side keep only their second clean sheet in 16 matches in all competitions.

“We controlled the game and didn’t concede anything over 90 minutes. The bottom line is that we’ve progressed. The team played with great concentration today,” he said.

“We didn’t concede anything, were very good defensively and were able to create momentum going forward in the second half.

“At the moment, we lack the gallantry to capitalise on the chances we have in the box. You have to give the lads a good talking to.”