Champions League - BVB first into round of 16: Draw against PSG
The Champions League remains a feel-good oasis for BVB, who are struggling in the Bundesliga. In the 1:1 (0:0) draw against the star ensemble from Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening, Dortmund had a lot of luck, but to the astonishment of the experts, they finished top of Group F. After a spectacular clash between the two teams in front of 81,365 spectators at the sold-out Signal Iduna Park, coach Edin Terzic's team can hope for an easier opponent in the draw for the round of 16 on Monday.
Karim Adeyemi (51st minute) had put the hosts ahead, but Warren Zaire-Emery (56th) equalized for PSG shortly afterwards. As a result, their opponents from the French capital, who had been heavily funded by Qatar and were considered title contenders, barely squeezed into the last 16.
Unlike in the Bundesliga, BVB have been consistently strong in the Champions League recently - and this initially continued against Paris. Borussia got off to a good start despite the high-caliber PSG starting eleven and dominated proceedings in the early stages. This was mainly because the hosts pressed the French star ensemble around Kylian Mbappé high up the pitch, forcing them to make mistakes time and again.
In contrast to the disappointing 0:2 in the first leg in Paris, Terzic did not rely on a wall tactic this time. In attack, he relied on the quick-as-an-arrow Karim Adeyemi, among others, to pose a threat to PSG on the counter-attack. Niklas Süle started in central defense this time in place of Nico Schlotterbeck. And that paid off early on.
After a while, the French team got into the game a little better. After just under 20 minutes, superstar Mbappé was free through and only had to push the ball into the empty goal from an acute angle - but the onrushing Süle was able to deflect the ball out of play with a monster save. The international's save was met with loud applause. BVB were also lucky with Bradley Barcola's (20th) shot hitting the post and Randal Kolo Muani's (24th) attempt.
Suddenly, Dortmund's defense was shaky as the pressure on the PSG defense was now lacking. Dortmund pulled back, which only allowed Paris to get into the game better. It was only when Borussia pressed higher up the pitch again that things started to go their way. However, Adeyemi (32) and Mats Hummels (45-1) missed the best opportunities.
The result was an extremely entertaining match at Signal Iduna Park, which, somewhat surprisingly, initially lacked goals. When one team pulled back more, the other became more dangerous. Accordingly, there was a lot of spectacle, which the spectators applauded loudly at half-time.
It didn't take long after that for the crowd to be rewarded with the first goal. And it came just as the course of the game had suggested - after a successful pressing move. BVB put Paris under pressure deep in their own half and won the ball. Via Ramy Bensebaini and Niclas Füllkrug, it ended up with Adeyemi, who slotted home from close range.
The joy did not last long, however, as PSG equalized just five minutes later. This time, BVB did not defend consistently and were immediately punished. An unfortunate deflected ball ended up with Zaïre-Emery, who scored with a low shot to make it 1-1. PSG remained dangerous afterwards, but the French side were unable to score the winner.
Match info Squad
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- Despite their struggles in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) found joy in the Champions League, finishing first in Group F despite a draw against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
- Niklas Süle started in central defense for BVB, playing a crucial role in their defense, including a monumental save to deny Kylian Mbappé.
- Borussia Dortmund consistently performed well in the Champions League, contrasting their disappointing performances in the Bundesliga.
- Paris Saint-Germain, funded heavily by Qatar and considered title contenders, barely squeezed into the last 16 of the Champions League after a draw against BVB.
- The hosts from Dortmund pressured PSG's star ensemble high up the pitch, forcing errors and dominating the early stages of the match.
- Despite a solid performance, BVB was fortunate in their luck, with Bradley Barcola's shot hitting the post and Randal Kolo Muani's attempt missing the target.
- Karim Adeyemi posed a threat to PSG on the counter-attack, scoring the opening goal for BVB after a successful pressing move.
- The joy was short-lived, as PSG equalized five minutes later, taking advantage of an unfortunate deflected ball and capitalizing on BVB's shaky defense.
- Borussia Dortmund is known for its star ensemble and the energy of its fans, with Signal Iduna Park hosting 81,365 spectators for the match against PSG.
- After qualifying for the round of 16 in the Champions League, Dortmund and Coach Edin Terzic will be hoping for an easier opponent, ready to continue their successful streak in the tournament.
Source: www.stern.de
