Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Below are 5 highlights after the competition at Signal Iduna Park.
The fearsomeness of Sancho
The Dortmund team played well, and Jadon Sancho was one of the most prominent names. Far from his image at Man United, Sancho at Dortmund is a confident, strong, enthusiastic player, making PSG’s defense have a difficult day. As a right winger, the English star had 12/17 successful dribbles, made 51/58 successful passes (88%) and won 13 duels. He also had 3 passes to create opportunities for his teammates.
Sancho seemed to send a message to Man United.
Once Erik ten Hag continues to be at Old Trafford, Sancho will have no way back. That is also an opportunity for Dortmund and many other clubs to recruit this 24-year-old midfielder.
Disappointed Dembele
Sancho had a good match, but another former Dortmund star, Ousmane Dembélé, played terribly against his old team. The French striker had 3 lucky shots in the first half. In the second half, despite being given 2 clear opportunities, he finished poorly, making PSG’s hope of equalizing disappear.
PSG is too ungrateful
Not only Dembele, other PSG attackers also had a forgettable day. Kylian Mbappe was not as explosive as usual, and he showed his lack of grace with his skillful curling shot that found the post.
Mbappe and his teammates are too ungainly.
Besides, Achraf Hakimi also had a shot that Һit the post. Fabián Ruiz missed the opportunity to score with two close-range headers that sent the ball away inaccurately. Perhaps, bravery and experience are still what PSG lacks to succeed in top arenas like the Champions League. Anyway, there is still the return match for Luis Enrique and his students to correct their mistakes.
Sad ending for Mbappe
If PSG cannot make a difference in the second leg, it will be a sad ending for Mbappe. 99% this will be the French star’s last season for the Paris team, before he goes to Real Madrid. The fact that PSG won Ligue 1 is almost obvious, however, the Champions League title is something they have wаnted for a long time but has not yet come true.
After the departure of Lionel Messi and Neymar, the responsibility was placed on Mbappe’s shoulders, but the 25-year-old striker still could not help PSG find glory the way he shined in the French national team.
Dortmund brings joy to Germans
Bundesliga will have 5 teams participating in the Champions League next season. Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over PSG helped Germany secure 2nd place in UEFA’s coefficient table this season. Serie A secured first place last month, and Dortmund’s recent victory means Germany cannot be overtaken by remaining contenders England and France.
Coincidentally, the expected 5th place in the Bundesliga will likely belong to Dortmund. They are ranked 5th in the Bundesliga, 5 points behind RB Leipzig, in the context of the football season with only 3 matches left to end.