Borussia Dortmund secured a crucial 1-0 victory over PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, courtesy of a stellar performance from Jadon Sancho and a decisive goal from Niclas Fullkrug. Despite being sidelined at Manchester United, Sancho dominated the game, causing constant problems for PSG’s defense.
Although he could have assisted multiple goals, it was Fullkrug who broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from a Nico Schlotterbeck pass. While PSG hit the woodwork through Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi, Dortmund held on to their lead. The tie remains finely balanced, but Dortmund’s unexpected journey to the final continues to gather momentum.
Players Ranking
| Team | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | Kobel | 7 |
| Dortmund | Ryerson | 7 |
| Dortmund | Hummels | 7 |
| Dortmund | Schlotterbeck | 8 |
| Dortmund | Maatsen | 7 |
| Dortmund | Can | 7 |
| Dortmund | Sabitzer | 7 |
| Dortmund | Sancho | 9 |
| Dortmund | Brandt | 7 |
| Dortmund | Adeyemi | 8 |
| Dortmund | Fullkrug | 8 |
| Team | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PSG | Donnarumma | 7 |
| PSG | Hakimi | 6 |
| PSG | Marquinhos | 5 |
| PSG | Hernandez | 5 |
| PSG | Mendes | 4 |
| PSG | Fabian | 5 |
| PSG | Vitinha | 7 |
| PSG | Zaire-Emery | 6 |
| PSG | Dembele | 5 |
| PSG | Mbappe | 5 |
| PSG | Barcola | 4 |
Borussia Dortmund Secures First-Leg Victory at Westfalenstadion
Borussia Dortmund clinched a deserved first-leg victory in a thrilling encounter at the raucous Westfalenstadion, resembling a basketball match with its frenetic pace. Despite PSG boss Luis Enrique’s anticipation of fireworks, it was Dortmund who dominated much of the action, particularly in the first half.
Marcel Sabitzer had a chance to score early on, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his angled shot. However, Niclas Fullkrug managed to break the deadlock in the 36th minute. He controlled a long ball with his right foot and then expertly slotted it home with his left.
PSG, despite controlling proceedings at times, struggled to find their rhythm in front of goal. Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi both came agonizingly close to equalizing, hitting the woodwork in quick succession.
Dortmund’s direct and tenacious play troubled PSG throughout the match, with Jadon Sancho instrumental in creating opportunities. Fullkrug had a golden chance to extend Dortmund’s lead, but he squandered the opportunity, blazing over the bar from close range.
Despite PSG’s resurgence in the second half, Dortmund held firm defensively, with Sabitzer denied by a superb save from Donnarumma just before halftime. PSG’s frustration continued as Mbappe and Hakimi were both denied by the woodwork once again. Ousmane Dembele missed a glorious chance for PSG late in the game, while Fullkrug felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty after a challenge in the box. With the tie finely poised at 1-0, both teams will head to the Parc des Princes for the second leg, knowing that the outcome is still up for grabs.
Dortmund’s Persistence Pays Off
Sancho once again played provider, setting up Brandt for a chance, but Marquinhos bravely blocked the shot. However, Dortmund’s persistence paid off as Fullkrug made a perfectly timed run behind the defense, receiving a brilliant ball from Schlotterbeck. With a deft touch to evade Lucas Hernandez, Fullkrug unleashed a powerful shot that beat Donnarumma at his near post.
PSG’s first shot on target came two minutes into the second half when Bradley Barcola curled a 25-yard effort straight at Kobel. Moments later, Mbappe’s curling shot struck the post, rebounding to Hakimi, whose attempt also hit the woodwork. PSG continued to create chances, with Fabian heading wide from a deep cross. Fullkrug missed an opportunity to extend Dortmund’s lead after Sancho’s fine work on the flank.
Kobel made a smart save to deny Dembele, but Fullkrug wasted another chance by lifting a header over the bar. Dortmund’s fortunes mirrored PSG’s as Brandt’s shot flashed wide, while Fullkrug fired over the bar after leaning back too far.
Sancho’s partnership with Brandt almost yielded another goal, but Marquinhos blocked the shot. Fabian also missed an inviting delivery by Vitinha. Despite several missed opportunities, Dortmund held on for a 1-0 victory, setting up an intriguing second leg in Paris.
Read Also
Borussia Dortmund Winger Jadon Sancho told CBS Sports
“It’s not over, we’ve got to go to Paris and hopefully get the job done there. I take it game by game, and with performances like today, I hope they can carry on.
“I came here at 17, they allowed me to play my football. I’m delighted with all the players and staff who welcomed me back. I always give my everything here.
On whether he might stay at Dortmund permanently: “I don’t know, I’m just focused on the present right now.”
Enrique: Result Doesn’t Change Our Mentality
“We no longer have anything to lose. Regardless of the result, we would have gone to win. Our audience will support both teams in Paris, creating an exceptional atmosphere.
PSG manager Luis Enrique
“Our goal was to press. We have tried to defend ourselves on their right side and defend their long balls. They are a very well-worked team.
“In the first half, we were a little less intense in attack, in the second it was different.”
Terzic: We Deserved The Victory
“It was a well-deserved win, a good team performance.
Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic
“We could have scored more goals, but so could they. That’s why the result is okay from my point of view. We ran a lot, but that’s necessary in a game like this. You have to earn your way to Wembley.
“All we need now is a draw in the second leg, but we also want to win next week. We have a small lead and a good opportunity.”
FAQ’s
In the most recent Champions League semifinal first leg, Borussia Dortmund achieved a 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Niclas Füllkrug, Dortmund’s forward, netted the sole goal of the match. Notably, Jadon Sancho delivered an outstanding performance, garnering significant acclaim and earning the title of man of the match.
Borussia Dortmund has clinched the German Championship, or Bundesliga, on eight occasions. Their league title triumphs came in the seasons of 1955/56, 1956/57, 1962/63, 1994/95, 1995/96, 2001/02, 2010/11, and 2011/12.
Real Madrid holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles, boasting 14 victories as of 2023. Following them closely is AC Milan with 7 titles. Additionally, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have each secured 6 titles, while Barcelona has won 5. These teams stand out as some of the most successful in the tournament’s history.