Player Ratings: Dortmund 2-3 Olympique de Marseille

With Marseille’s activity in his half virtually non-existent, his contribution was largely limited to the routine in the opening period. Could not do much about the goals from Remy and Valbuena, but would have liked to have gotten a stronger hand on Ayew’s header, powerful though it was.

Was his usual dependable self in the center of defense, and made no mistake from the spot to give his side a 2-0 lead. Unlucky to be on the losing side.

Did not have much to do on the defensive end, but could have made better use of that by venturing forward more and providing a greater threat in the attacking third.

Offensively he was inspiring, assuming great positions deep on the right flank and acting as something of an auxiliary wide midfielder at times. However, he did not pass the test on the other end of the pitch, failing to mark Remy with any sort of urgency for Marseille’s goal just before halftime. Was beaten too easily for the winner by Valbuena as well.

For the most part, he was not tested as Marseille showed no endeavor in attack, but his failure to stop Valbuena along with the rest of his teammates near the end of the match was notable.

Left it all on the pitch tonight in more ways than one. His commanding header was crucial in the build-up to the first goal, but his night was ended prematurely shortly after the half-hour mark after Mbia introduced his boot to his face during a reckless challenge.

Disappointing night for the young playmaker, who should have scored at least once, having been presented with two great chances in the first half to do so. He was hauled off at halftime as his manager, probably recognizing the near-impossibility of the task facing his side in the second half, chose to save his legs for Kaiserslautern at the weekend.

His goal was taken with the aura of a seasoned poacher, but he struggled to conjure much outside of that. He was always a willing runner down the flanks, but lacked quality in his final ball, apart from one great setup for Barrios

Lacked any real ‘wow’ factor in his play, unless you count the disbelief from his teammates at his inability to score from a great position after a brilliant set up by Perisic in the second half.

A frustrating outing for the Pole, who failed to get much going in the end despite an encouraging start to the first half. He will be thankful to Kuba for making the most of his poor control for the first goal, but could not muster much otherwise outside of two wayward efforts in the second half.

The Paraguay international was presented with a great chance to score in the first half, but could only find the side netting instead of the target. Otherwise, he was lacking in support, and was limited in his contribution as a result. Hauled off in the second half.

Was commanding in the air for the most part as Dortmund sent a series of crosses into his box in the first half. Was not at fault for either goal.

The full back hardly got forward, but put in a shift on the defensive end, highlighted by his superb block of Gotze’s goal-bound effort with an outstretched leg.

Performed admirably alongside Diawarra at the heart of the French side’s defense, marking Barrios out of the game and refusing to give up an inch.

Worked hard at denying Kuba space all game, but given a bit more trouble when Perisic attacked down his flank on a few occasions.

Put in one or two thumping challenges that halted BVB in their tracks, and was generally a rock at the back.

Did exactly what his manager asked of him, providing an effective cog in midfield that frustrated Dortmund. His energy levels remained admirably high in the second half.

His effectiveness in the attacking third was extremely limited, and he spent most of his time providing eager, but ultimately substandard cover in midfield. Replaced shortly after the hour mark with his stamina all but spent.

Involved in a sickening clash of heads with Traore early one, and the blow seemed to affect his logic thereafter, with his reckless high boot clattering Kehl and gifting Dortmund a penalty on the half hour mark. Taken off at halftime.

He was a non-factor offensively until injury time in the first half, when his perfect cross put a chance on a plate for Remy to score for the visitors. He sent in another peach of a ball from a corner kick that was headed in by Ayew for the equalizer, as his deliveries ended up being the X factor in the match.

Isolated and unnoticed for much of the game, but credit to him for keeping his concentration to head in his side’s first goal on the stroke of halftime with one of his few touches. Substituted in the second half.

Like Remy, he spent much of his time on the pitch making runs down blind alleys or attempting to attack without support, but popped up with the equalizer five minutes from time with a thumping header that belittled his height.