Borussia Dortmund’s Unexpected Rise in the Champions League Semi-Finals

It’s a bit of an anomaly in this last four in the Champions League. And the correction inflicted by Leipzig this weekend (4-1) reinforced this impression. To say that Dortmund’s presence in the C1 semi-finals was not particularly expected is an understatement. When we compare with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or even PSG, the German club does not really seem in its place, to the point that we can say that the French champion, the Germans’ opponent in the half, has no reason to complain about the draw and even has a unique opportunity to seize. But be careful, Borussia didn’t get there by chance either.

On a daily basis, Edin Terzic’s training is certainly not really a terror. In Germany, the Ruhr club is only in fifth place in the Bundesliga, very far from Bayer Leverkusen which has no less than 24 points more after having already secured the Bundesliga title. Between a defense that is too irregular and an attack that is not always sharp, the BVB has too often been caught up by its shortcomings during this 2023-2024 financial year and even seems very limited compared to Bayer, Leipzig, Bayern Munich or even Stuttgart.

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“In the championship, it’s plateauing”, confirms David Lortholary in Tour d’Europe before setting the record straight: “But in C1, we see a club which takes on another collective and individual stature”. The key is there. Because if the regulars of the legendary Yellow Wall of the Westfalenstadion are not spoiled by the daily performances of their team, they also know that their players are transforming this season in Europe.

When the little music of the Champions League is heard, Mats Hummels’ teammates are transformed. Suddenly, they find momentum again. Are more conquering. And can ignite a match, especially at home where they have still not lost this season in Europe while their fiery public seems to support them. After a group stage ending to everyone’s surprise in first place in their group ahead of PSG, AC Milan and Newcastle, the Ruhr club did not tremble against PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 (1- 1, 2-1) before making an impression against Atlético Madrid.

Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)

Credit: Getty Images

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Although individual errors in defense almost cost the Germans dearly in the quarter-final, Emre Can’s teammates overturned everything on the return leg (4-2) with their multi-dangerous attack to erase the first-leg setback (2 -1). A match which raised hopes in the Ruhr, where some now hope to relive the epic of 2013 when Jürgen Klopp’s men reached the final at Wembley against Bayern (2-1 defeat). “Borussia benefits mentally from this formidable showdown won with panache against Atlético. It gave Dortmund a big boost,” announces David Lortholary.

And if PSG has already faced the German club twice during the group stage (editor’s note: 2-0 defeat in Paris, 1-1 draw in Dortmund), Luis Enrique’s protégés will not necessarily find the same team . Particularly because the arrivals of Ian Maatsen and Jadon Sancho this winter have done a lot of good by transforming the left side of Borussia. “I think we are an even more stable and better team than in September or November,” Borussia coach Edin Terzic has already warned, after his team qualified for the semi-finals.

Data confirmed by David Lortholary. “Paris will not find Dortmund in the group matches. There have been developments on the pitch. Young Maatsen, who was suspended this weekend, is perhaps the greatest satisfaction,” explains our German football expert, who also praises Sancho’s return to form: “He is getting closer to his best physical level and he is finding a little of that magic that he had at Dortmund in the past.” Paris is therefore warned: Borussia is clearly not in the last four by chance. Even if we didn’t expect it at this stage given his domestic season.

2024-04-30 22:29:00
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