America's team is alive! USMNT star Malik Tillman draws huge penalty to help PSV earn draw with Borussia Dortmund in Champions League last-16 first leg

Dortmund seized the lead via a stunning goal from Donyell Malen, who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The Dutch star burst through on the right and rocketed a shot past a helpless Walter Benitez, netting a massive goal against his former club. Malen had previously played for PSV from 2018-21 before making his big move to Dortmund.

PSV, though, got back into it in the second half, even if their goal was a controversial one. After a heavy touch in the box, Tillman was taken down by Mats Hummels, who seemingly made contact with the ball before clattering into the American. The referee, though, awarded a penalty and, after a VAR review, the decision was upheld, leading to Luuk de Jong's 56th-minute goal from the penalty spot.

PSV will generally be happy with the result, having come back from a goal down to secure a draw in their home leg of the tie. The result, too, should give them confidence heading into that second leg, having proven they can hang with Dortmund throughout these first 90 minutes. They'll now look ahead to the second leg, which is set for Signal Iduna Park on March 13.

By being named to the starting XI, Tillman and Dest became the first pair of USMNT teammates to start for the same team in a Champions League knockout match. And they were eventually joined by Pepi, who came off the bench in the second half to put all three Americans on the field at the same time, making further history.

Despite all of the successes and breakthroughs for American players in recent years, that's still a big achievement, especially considering the age of those involved. Dest is the elder statesman of the trio at just 23, with 21-year-olds Pepi and Tillman still very much just getting started in their club careers.

Tillman, of course, made the biggest impact of the bunch, creating the pivotal moment by drawing the penalty. He did the same in the group stages, attracting a foul from Sergio Ramos to help PSV earn a key point against Sevilla.

Dest, too, made an impact, nearly scoring late on, while Pepi helped provide a bit of attacking energy in his now-familiar supersub role for Peter Bosz's side.

Malik Tillman (7/10):

Was a bit lucky to get the penalty call, but you can't knock his effort. Created two chances and had one decent look at goal. His touch let him down a few times.

Sergino Dest (6/10):

Was so close to blocking away Malen's opener, but it felt like he did all he could on the sequence. As usual, was fantastic on the attacking side, completing nearly every pass and providing a bit of width on the left-hand side.

Ricardo Pepi (6/10):

Came on in the 75th minute and may have had a chance at goal if Dest had spotted him. Couldn't quite change the game, though.

PSV will look ahead to several matches in the Eredivisie, notably a match against second-place Feyenoord on March 3. That match, though, is sandwiched between games against PEC Zwolle and Go Ahead Eagles, with PSV looking to keep their unbeaten run alive in the league.