The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 didn't disappoint between these two teams, and the scoreline suggests a much more dull game than the reality as Benfica triumphed against a threatening Dortmund team.
It was a long night of defending for the Portuguese outfit, but unlike their German counterparts, they took their opportunity when presented with it.
The match teased with thepromise of goals; before tonight, Dortmund hadn't kept a clean sheet since mid-September, but had found the back of the net in their last 10 games. It wasn't going to be easy for the German side though, with Benfica managing to go five hours of game time at home in the Champions League without conceding a single goal.
The game started off at an electric pace, with both sides showing strong intent to get forward at speed and hit their opponent on the break, with chances coming at both ends.
Inside the first 10 minutes, Benfica's main attacking threat came through Eduardo Salvio, with the winger finding pockets of space in between Dortmund's midfield and defence.Their best opportunity of the half came after four minutes, when Salvio broke out a counter attack before beating Sokratis, but sending the shot high and wide.
It was after the 10 minute mark where the away team began to take control. However, the Germans showed signs of what was to come when a smart pass through the middle from Ousmane Dembele put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one on one with Ederson in goal. An opportunity that you would've put your house on the Gabon international scoring was sent blazing over the bar, and a lively Estadio da Luz breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Dortmund spent the majority of the first half knocking on the door, only to get no answer. Chances for Dembele and Aubameyang both went begging, and a well-structured Benfica back line was proving difficult to break down, with Tuchel's men often resorting to long balls to try andpunch through.
Another good opportunity passed by when Marcel Schmelzer's seemingly overhit pass through to Guerreiro was met by the Portuguese international and rolled across an empty net, only for Aubameyang to opt not to gamble on it.
For all their dominance, the German side couldn't take advantage and the two teams headed into half time with the score still at 0-0.
Benfica came into the second half looking a different side. The first few minutes saw the home team keep hold of the ball and push forward, something they hadn't achieved since the opening 10 minutes of the match.
This attacking start proved rewarding for Rui Vitoria's men when a 47th minute corner was met by the head of Luisao. The Benfica captain's header seemed to be destined for Roman Burki's grasp when it was intercepted by Konstantinos Mitroglou, who had been a ghost up until this point. The Greek forward brought it down well for a simple tap in from 2 yards, resulting in an arguably undeserved lead.
This seemed to be a wakeup call for Dortmund and from then on, much of the second half was similar to the first, with the Germans pinning Benfica into their own half.
Only 5 minutes after the goal, another golden opportunity was blasted over the bar when Aubameyang found himself one on one with Ederson again after a through ball found its way to the striker's feet.
It proved to be one of those nights for Aubameyang when Dortmund were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute. The 27 year old looked completely bereft of confidence as his weak effort went straight down the middle from 12 yards, into the grateful clutches of the Brazilian keeper.
Tuchel then decided that he had seen enough from his top scorer, and soon replaced Aubameyang with Schurrle, to end what had been a torrid performance from the Gabon international.
Dortmund continued to press on though, and Ederson was constantly being tested by good efforts from Reus, Piszczek and Pulisic, coming away as the victor every time.
As the game wore on, the away team grew more and more frustrated. With Luisao celebrating his 500th game in a Benfica shirt, his backline looked unbreakable, and Benfica's highly organised defence proved too much for Dortmund.
Benfica now head into the second leg of this round with a solid one goal lead that they'll be immensely proud of.
Meanwhile Dortmund's woes continue, and Tuchel will be frustrated at his side's inability to find the back of the net.And as for Aubameyang, he won't be getting too much sleep tonight.