PSG can no longer hide. After its resounding victory against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final return (1-4), the capital club now has a date with its history for its fourth Champions League semi-final (1995, 2020, 2021, 2024 ). And on the way, the Parisians will find a well-known opponent, and within their reach: Borussia Dortmund.
Luis Enrique’s men finally knew it from the draw for the quarters, in the event of qualification, they would necessarily start as favorites in their semi-final, either against Atletico Madrid or against the Germans, the other quarter of their table . It was ultimately the latter who reached the last four after a totally crazy double confrontation concluded by a boiling and stunning return match at Signal Iduna Park to the advantage of the Yellows and Blacks (4-2).
Struggling in the league, comfortable in Europe
But facing PSG, and potentially waiting for Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Arsenal on the other side, Borussia Dortmund is necessarily a surprise guest at this stage of the competition. With subscribers absent in the league, 5th almost 23 points behind the champion, Bayer Leverkusen, Edin Terzic’s men are not even sure yet of competing in the next Champions League. On the European scene, however, the Germans appeared much more at ease.
Positioned in the group of death with PSG obviously but also AC Milan and Newcastle, Dortmund came out on top by picking up 11 points in six games with victories in Italy and England on the road. On the other hand, the double confrontation against the Parisians did not succeed with a defeat at the Parc des Princes (2-0), and a draw (1-1) at Signal Iduna Park when they had the opportunity to eliminate the capital club in the sixth and final group match. A little more psychological advantage to put on the side of PSG, in addition of course to this round of 16 second leg of 2020 won in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in an empty Parc des Princes (2-0).
The rest of their European journey took place against Eindhoven against PSV in the least difficult final of the competition on paper. In difficulty in the Netherlands (1-1), the BVB returned to their den (2-0), despite a very open match. Still as playful, Borussia then defeated Atletico Madrid again thanks to a decisive performance at home and a completely crazy scenario (4-2).
A defense to get ahead of
Without merit, Dortmund find themselves in a last four that they have not experienced since 2013, the year when Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, already there, failed in the final at Wembley against Bayern Munich (2-1 defeat). Except that this generation has aged well. The legendary German attacking midfielder, for example, gave way to the younger Julian Brandt as conductor to support Niclas Fullkrug or Sébastien Haller, when the latter was spared by injuries.
In midfield, Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer always set the pace for a team that is still good to see offensively but which suffers, as usual, defensively, especially if the wingers opposite shine with their speed. So when we know a little about the qualities of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola or even a certain Kylian Mbappé, there is reason to believe it. And not just a little.
