Jean MartinBorussia Dortmund’s away performance was good enough to sail past Paris St-Germain and reach their first Champions League final since 2013.
First Leg Advantage
Dortmund entered the semi-final with a 1-0 lead from the first leg and extended their advantage when Mats Hummels capitalized on a corner to head in, doubling the lead to 2-0 on aggregate.
PSG’s Missed Opportunities
Despite PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery hitting the post early in the second half and Nuno Mendes striking the woodwork again, Dortmund maintained their defensive resilience.
Controversial Penalty Decision
Also read: Four-nil to the Eagles against Manchester United
A moment of controversy arose when a penalty was initially awarded to PSG but overturned, keeping Dortmund’s clean sheet intact as Italian referee Daniele Orsato deemed the foul outside the box.
Mbappe’s Efforts and Dortmund’s Defense
Kylian Mbappe, in his final European match for PSG before joining Real Madrid, faced a determined Dortmund defense led by Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck. Dortmund frustrated Mbappe’s efforts, with the forward frequently encountering multiple defenders.
Road to the Final
Dortmund’s journey to the final has been marked by surprises, including topping a tough group and eliminating strong opponents like Atletico Madrid. Despite initial doubts, Dortmund’s cohesive team effort and defensive solidity propelled them to the final.
Dortmund’s Domestic Season
While Dortmund has faced domestic challenges, their European campaign has been a bright spot. Sitting fifth in the Bundesliga, their Champions League success highlights their ability to perform on the continental stage.
Superb Performance and Defensive Prowess
Led by the likes of Jadon Sancho and Hummels, Dortmund displayed a superb defensive performance against PSG. Despite sustained pressure and multiple attempts hitting the woodwork, Dortmund held firm and secured their spot in the final.
Final Showdown and Historical Perspective
The final, set for June 1st at Wembley Stadium, could potentially feature an all-German affair reminiscent of the 2013 final between Bayern Munich and Dortmund. As Dortmund seeks their second European title, their journey reflects resilience and determination on the grand stage of the Champions League.
