Wow! Maybe Real Madrid’s penalty shootout against Manchester City was a bit of a surprise, but on the other hand, when a team with most Champions League titles wins, it’s not a surprise, really. But when an outsider who is currently fifth in the Bundesliga wins twice against hot-favorite PSG and doesn’t concede a goal in 180 minutes against Mbappe, Dembele, Ramos, Barcola, Lee or Kolo Muani, then it’s a miracle! That is exactly what Borussia Dortmund did tonight at packed Parc de Princes, where they ended another PSG campaign for the Champions League trophy. But this one will hurt for a long time: PSG – Borussia 0-1Everything was there – a fantastic, never-seen-before singing from the Paris Ultras, a chance to go to the final in front of the home crowd, a chance for Kylian Mbappe to be the hero in his last European game in PSG’s jersey, but only one thing was missing – goals. There was only one but in the Parisians’ net. Mats Hummels scored it in the 50th minute and won the game sending Borussia to its third Champions League final (they won the competition in 1997). How was that possible? First of all, the Parisians missed a lot of chances in these two games really a lot. They hit six bars and posts in total, and four of them in the second half of this game alone. They had to score at least one. Then Kylian Mbappe. He was basically shut down in both games and had one post apiece, but that was it. After games in Bundesliga in which mediocre teams like Hoffenheim and Heidenheim scored two or even three goals, it looked almost impossible that the Millionaires would keep their net, but they did so. How come? Well, Borussia had taken more points away from home in the Bundesliga this season (30) than at home (27) at the time of the first leg. Also, if we look at their Champions League results this season, they won in Newcastle and Milan, two very ‘hot’ away stadiums. Dortmund have five clean sheets in this season’s tournament, the most since the 2018/19 edition. And, they have only failed to find the back of the net in one of their previous 17 games.6 – Paris have lost six of their seven UEFA Champions League semi-final matches (83%), the highest ratio of any team to play at least five. Ceiling. #PSGBVB pic.twitter.com/0cxxAFx5nH— OptaJean (@OptaJean) May 7, 2024 The first half was surprisingly the most boring 45 minutes of all elimination games in the Champions League this season. PSG played badly, and Dortmund allowed them to have possession. To be fair, it’s not like they could avoid it since the Parisians is far more superior technically, but BVB were incredibly disciplined tactically, and the home team did nothing. In fact, the only real chance came from the guests, when Karim Adeyemi came into the penalty area after a counter-attack in the 34th minute, but Donnarumma was there with a great save. 12 – Paris have the hit the woodwork 12 times in the Champions League this season, with half of these coming against Borussia Dortmund. It’s the highest tally for any team on record in a single edition of the competition (since 2003-04). Frustration. #PSGBVB pic.twitter.com/BVBRyiiHQH— OptaJean (@OptaJean) May 7, 2024 The second half was much better. Just two minutes after a kick-of, the home had a massive chance to score, but Zaire-Emery’s volley from three meters ended in the goal post. Three minutes later the punishment came after a corner kick, after which Hummels was taller than Lucas Beraldo and scored for a shocking 0-1. PSG continued to attack, the crowd also continued to cheer like mad, but there was no equalizer. The Parisians hit the post in the 62nd minute (again) Mendes crashed a fine effort off the far post for the fourth time in two games against Borussia. Luis Enrique introduced Barcola and Asensio but things remained the same – there was one posts (Mbappe) and a crossbar (Vitinha) but no goal. And there it is – Borussia is in the final for the first time since 2013!UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUESemifinals – second legTuesdayPSG – Dortmund 0-1 (0-0) /first leg 0-1//Hummels 50/Wednesday22:00: (1.95) Real Madrid (3.50) Bayern (3.90) /first leg 2-2/***odds are subject to change***
