In a tightly contested UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Borussia Dortmund managed a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The match, held on May 1, 2024, saw Niclas Füllkrug score the decisive goal in the first half, giving Dortmund a crucial advantage.
Match Highlights
The game’s pivotal moment came in the 36th minute when Füllkrug executed a stunning strike to put Dortmund ahead. Despite several attempts from Paris to equalize, including significant efforts from Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, who both struck the post in the second half, Dortmund’s defense held firm.
Key moments from the match included:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma, Paris’s goalkeeper, making a critical save from Marcel Sabitzer’s attempt at the 14th minute.
- Füllkrug’s goal at the 36th minute, which ultimately decided the match.
- Donnarumma denying Sabitzer once again just before the half-time whistle.
- Successive hits on the post by Mbappé and Hakimi in the 51st minute, highlighting Paris’s frustration in front of goal.
- A superb save by Dortmund’s keeper, Gregor Kobel, in the 72nd minute to deny Ousmane Dembélé.
Context and Implications
This victory places Dortmund in a favorable position for the second leg of the semi-final, where they will aim to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the final. Paris, despite their aggressive play and multiple chances, will need to overcome this deficit in the upcoming match to progress.
The performance of players like Mbappé and Dembélé was notable, yet their inability to convert chances could be pivotal in the overall outcome of the tie. This match also adds another layer to ongoing speculations about Mbappé’s future with Paris, as recent reports suggest a potential move to Real Madrid.
Dortmund’s strategic defensive play and effective counter-attacks exemplified their approach under pressure, setting the stage for an intense return leg in Paris.