Borussia Dortmund have stepped one foot into the Champions League final with a crucial win over Paris Saint-Germain. A slotted finish from Niclas Füllkrug secured the win for Edin Terzic's side, with eyes now potentially looking over at the Wembley arch for the final.
Nico Schlotterbeck was the unlikely architect for the only goal of the night, as the German defender floated a ball over the PSG defence and found Füllkrug, who made no mistake against Donnarumma - a classic striker finish.
-
Dortmund can hold on in France
Edin Terzic's side can most certainly hold on to their lead in the French capital. If Dortmund's ability to soak up pressure and keep a strong defensive line, like in this evening's match, can be replicated in France, rest assured they will have little problem holding on to this lead.
Of course, defending a thriving Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele is no easy task, but having the experience and leadership of Mats Hummels in a defence like Dortmund's can make all the difference in a two-legged tie.
-
Superb Sancho
The resurgence of Jadon Sancho since his loan move back to Dortmund has been fascinating to watch. Yet again, Sancho continues to prove doubters wrong and it is clear to see where Manchester United have utilised the winger incorrectly. Whilst Sancho's recent performances may not see him make the cut in Gareth Southgate's EUROS squad, his performance tonight shows promising signs of what may come.
With Dortmund looking to make the loan deal a permanent one, we could very well be seeing the revival of Sancho's playing career. As per SunSport, Man United are willing to take a loss on Sancho and would accept bids in the region of £35m.
-
Do not count PSG out
Whilst PSG may be losing on aggregate as things stand, it is important to note that it is still only 'half-time' in this two-legged tie. Another 90 minutes still awaits for PSG to score two and with the attacking prowess of Mbappe, Dembele and Bradley Barcola, you can never count Luis Enrique's team out.
Especially with the second leg being played at the Parc de Princes, Le Parisiens will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage and create a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.
PSG have already won Ligue 1 this season, with a little help from Olympique Lyon as they beat second-placed Monaco. Full focus will now likely be on the second leg against Dortmund, which takes place on Tuesday 7 May 2024.
Enrique's side had the chance to seal the title against a relegation-battling Le Havre, but could only manage to draw.
-
German clubs are dominant in Europe
Whilst being more of a general 'thing we learnt', rather than coming specifically from this game, it is clear to see that German teams are becoming more and more dominant in Europe. This dominance has secured Germany the extra coefficient spot in the UEFA Champions League for the 2024/25 season, meaning that the top five will now have access to Champions League football.
Bayern Munich and Dortmund currently hold spots in the Champions League semi-finals, whilst Bayer Leverkusen continue their unbeaten streak in all competitions in the Europa League after brushing aside West Ham.
The extra coefficient spot is great news for Dortmund too, as they currently occupy the 5th spot in the Bundesliga.
