Watch: Pulisic goal, assist, Aubameyang hat trick send Dortmund through in UCL
Borussia Dortmund is through to the Champions League quarterfinals on the strength of a hat trick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a clutch performance by 18-year-old American Christian Pulisic.
Facing a 1-0 aggregate deficit after a number of missed opportunities in the first leg, Dortmund roasted its Portuguese opponent 4-0 Wednesday (advancing 4-1 on aggregate), coming off one of its most dynamic showings of the season. The 6-2 Bundesliga win over Bayer Leverkusen sent Dortmund into the match with momentum, and off the heels of his goal and assist in that weekend game, Pulisic earned the start and delivered, with his close-range chip the eventual series-winning goal.
Pulisic assisted on Dortmund's early opener, with Aubameyang making good off his first chance after missing a couple of golden opportunities in the first leg. Pulisic flicked on a corner kick toward the far post, where an unmarked Aubameyang headed home.
Benfica weathered the storm and nearly struck for a go-ahead goal in the 32nd minute through Luisao, who had a close-range header but hit it right into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Franco Cervi nearly had the away goal breakthrough Benfica was hoping for just after the second-half restart, with a chance from point-blank range after a poor clearance attempt denied by a sliding Lukasz Piszczek in front of goal.
Pulisic emerged with the go-ahead goal on a fantastic chip, marking the second straight game he's had a goal and an assist in all competitions.
Aubameyang scored his second moments later, making the task that much harder for Benfica. The Portuguese side needs two to pull even on aggregate, but would advance via away goals.
Aubameyang finished off his hat trick with an assist from Erik Durm capping the 4-0 victory on the day.
Dortmund will join another German side, Bayern Munich, in the Champions League's final eight.
