By Okoeguale Adolor

May 8, 2024

Borussia Dortmund secured a spot in this seasons Champions League final by defeating French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final clash at Parc des Princes, France.

The decisive goal came in the 50th minute, as defender Mats Hummels’ header, off a corner kick from Julian Brandt, sealed the victory for the visitors.

Dortmund arrived in Paris with a slim one-goal lead from the first leg in Germany and maintained an unchanged starting lineup. Under Edin Terzic’s guidance, the team executed a clear strategy from the outset, organizing a compact defense and capitalizing on counterattacks against PSG.

Despite PSG’s dominance in possession during the first half, Dortmund’s solid defensive line thwarted their attempts to breach the 18-yard box. Surprisingly, it was Dortmund who came closest to scoring when Julian Ryerson missed a chance after a lay-off from Niclas Fullkrug.

Midway through the half, Karim Adeyemi’s solo run led to a strong save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, momentarily halting Dortmund’s momentum. PSG responded with flair as Kylian Mbappe’s skillful play set up Fabian Ruiz, whose powerful shot deflected wide.

After halftime, PSG intensified their attack but squandered two clear opportunities within seconds. Dortmund capitalized on the momentum shift, with Julian Brandt’s precise corner finding Mats Hummels for the decisive goal.

Needing two goals to force extra time, PSG continued to press forward but struggled to convert chances, with Goncalo Ramos and Warren Zaire-Emery both missing golden opportunities.

Notwithstanding PSG’s relentless efforts, Dortmund maintained their defensive solidity, limiting Mbappe’s impact. The final whistle marked Dortmund’s jubilant celebration as PSG’s misfortune with the woodwork continued, hitting the bar twice more through Mbappe and Vitinha.

As a result, Real Madrid now face Dortmund, not Mbappe’s PSG, in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1, pending the outcome of their semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

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The Nigerian Observer is a daily newspaper published in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, since 1968 by the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL) and is owned by the Edo State Government

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