Europa League Report: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Liverpool 7 April 2016

Europa League   Result: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Liverpool   Date: 7 April 2016   Venue: Signal-Iduna-Park   Liverpool secured a crucial 1-1 draw away from home in their Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.   The away side did well in the early exchanges to keep Dortmund in check, but in the 18th minute the hosts created an opening. Weigl found Schmelzer with a pass over the top and the full-back crossed low for Mkhitaryan, but Sakho made a vital interception.   Lovren had a chance to open the scoring at the other end of the pitch a few minutes later. A free kick from James Milner found the defender who won the header, but he directed it straight at Weidenfeller who grabbed it at the second attempt.   The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute as the Reds took the lead away from home. Milner created the opening with a header towards Divock Origi and the former Lille striker found the back of the net with his low strike after taking a big deflection.   Weidenfeller was called upon to ensure his side stay within one goal on the stroke of half-time when Origi broke free and unleashed a curling shot at goal. The goalkeeper stood his ground and parried it clear.   Three minutes into the second half the hosts produced the equaliser. The German outfit went short with a free kick and Mkhitaryan floated in a cross for Mats Hummels to head home and level matters.   Liverpool responded with an attack only a few minutes later as Coutinho bore down on goal and struck a shot from 15 yards, but Weidenfeller made a sensational save.   Dortmund were disappointing overall and the Reds would have been pleased to meet their hosts on an off night, as they take a valuable away goal into the second leg.