2024-04-16 21:11:34
Thanks to a strong performance from Marcel Sabitzer, Borussia Dortmund made it into the semi-finals of the Champions League. The ÖFB team player scored the decisive goal in BVB’s 4-2 home win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday and provided two assists beforehand, Dortmund advanced with the overall score of 5-4. Paris Saint-Germain is also in the semi-finals following a 4-1 win in Barcelona. Barca won the quarter-final first leg in France 3-2.
PSG and Dortmund will now meet in the semi-finals. The round of the last four will be completed on Wednesday following the duels between Manchester City and Real Madrid (first leg 3:3) and FC Bayern and Arsenal (2:2).
In Dortmund, Sabitzer had the first top chance of the game, the ÖFB team player took too long to finish from a good position and was ultimately blocked by César Azpilicueta (4th). Practically in return, Alvaro Morata appeared alone in Dortmund’s penalty area, but lofted the ball past both goalie Gregor Kobel and the goal.
BVB increasingly dominated and the lead was the logical consequence. Mats Hummels played a remarkable pass from the outside of his foot to Julian Brandt, who hit the far corner (34′). Five minutes later, Ian Maatsen added for Dortmund, and Sabitzer contributed his first assist of the evening.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone reacted at halftime with a triple substitution that had an impact. The Spaniards appeared much more enthusiastic following the break and were already able to celebrate in the 49th minute when Hummels sent a header from Mario Hermpso into his own goal. “Joker” Angel Correa had the guests dreaming of their first Champions League semi-final since 2017 with his 2-2 (64th minute), but then Sabitzer’s great performances followed.
First, the Styrian hit a cross to Niclas Füllkrug, who headed it and via the inside bar to make it 3-2 for the black and yellow (71′). Three minutes later, Sabitzer hit the ball into the net with his left to make it 4-2, giving Dortmund their first semi-final appearance in the premier class since 2013.
Sabitzer then reported on Sky regarding an “emotional rollercoaster. We played a great first half and absolutely deserved to take the lead. Then we conceded a quick goal following the break and made it 2-2, but the stadium and we never did gave up and we came back. It was almost like a fairy tale.”
After his goal, the midfielder said he felt “pure ecstasy. And when 80,000 people want to tear down the stadium, you want to tear it down with them. You can’t describe it, it’s something very special,” explained the 30-year-old, who provided the assist. Leads this Champions League season with five assists.
Dortmund already met PSG in the group stage last autumn, when they lost 0-2 away and 1-1 at home. “Paris is a very strong team, but if you get to the semi-finals, you want to go on to the final,” said Sabitzer.
In Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium, too, it initially looked like the home team would advance – Raphinha made it 1-0 for the Catalans (12th) following exemplary preparatory work from Lamine Yamal. However, Barca central defender Ronald Araujo was shown a red card for stealing a goal in the 29th minute following a challenge with Bradley Barcola, and the game began to tip towards PSG.
Ex-Barcelona professional Ousmane Dembele equalized from close range in the 40th minute, and Vitinha gave the French the lead in the 54th minute as a result of a corner. Kylian Mbappe made the decision with a penalty following an unnecessary attack by Joao Cancelo on Dembele (61′) and with a goal (89′). In the 56th minute, Barcelona’s Ilkay Gündogan hit the bar, and his coach Xavi saw the red card a few seconds later.
PSG can therefore continue to dream of the first Champions League title in the club’s history, while Barcelona’s last chance for the title this season is probably gone.
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