The Champions League ‘final before the final’ offered plenty of goals and chances (Bayern – Real 2-2), but the following match between Borussia Dortmund and PSG was not as boring as expected. In fact, it was far from it, and after 90 minutes, the only thing which went wrong was the score – ‘only’ 1-0 win for Dortmund. In a high-tempo game, there were numerous chances for both clubs, but eventually, only Niklas Fulkrug was precise enough to end up on the scoreboard. This victory is important not only for Dortmund’s chances in the second leg in Paris but also for German clubs in total – with this win, Bundesliga officially got the fifth representative in the Champions League next year. And ironically or not, that fifth club will probably be Borussia Dortmund.With Borussia Dortmund, You Will Never Walk alone 🎶🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/ETRPUrERuV— SimplyGoal (@SimplyGoal) May 1, 2024 But it has to be said – PSG missed a huge number of chances in the second half, even though they hadn’t a single shot on goal in the first 45 minutes and remained the favourite for the rematch in Paris. It’s hard to believe that the Parisians will miss this type of chance in the rematch, especially Dembele, who will not be happy after tonight’s display. Kylian Mbappe, who played a centre forward in this game, didn’t have a good night but still managed a shot at the bar, which could change the game. Dortmund had a big help from the home crowd and remained undefeated this season in the Champions League, but it will be a different environment in Paris. The first half was excellent for Dortmund, who managed to score a goal and had another good chance. PSG had more possession (almost 60%), but that was expected anyway. The guests failed to have a single shot on target and the home team was the one to dictate the tempo of the game. Sancho went down the right side and played it onto Brandt, who turned it inside for Sabitzer. The Austrian international was all alone in front of Donnarumma, but the PSG goalkeeper smothered the shot from a tight angle in the 14th minute. The next time the home team managed the shot on target was when they scored the goal in the 36th minute. In between, it was a couple of situations where Dortmund had a chance, but the ball either went over the goal or somebody from defense blocked the shot. The winning goal was produced by Niklas Fullkrug, who made a perfect first touch after a long pass from Nico Schlotterbeck and smashed the ball into the net for pandemonium in the stands. The second half was brimming with clear chances, and it’s a real wonder that neither team failed to score. Luis Enrique managed to wake up his boys during the break, so Dortmund survived moments of the greatest crisis in the first ten minutes of the second half. During that period, the guests hit the post twice and had a colossal chance through Fabian Ruiz. The first post was from Kylian Mbappe, and the second was just a few seconds later – Achraf Hakimi. Ruiz’s chance followed five minutes later. He darted into the heart of the defence through two defenders on a cross from the side and missed everything with his head from four meters away. Borussia failed to have a single shot on target in the second part of the game, but Julian Brandt and Fulkrug missed huge opportunities to score the second goal. On the other side, it was Dembele who missed sitters and ‘allowed’ PSG to leave for Paris defeated. .UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUESemifinals – first legTuesdayBayern – Real Madrid 2-2 (0-1)/Sane 53, Kane 57 pen – Vinicius Jr 24, 83 pen/WednesdayDortmund – PSG 1-0 (1-0)/Fullkrug 36/
