Borussia Dortmund secure thrilling comeback victory against Atlético Madrid
Borussia Dortmund secured a thrilling comeback victory against Atlético Madrid, overcoming a 2-1 deficit to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2013.
This victory is reminiscent of Dortmund’s historic run to the final in 2013, where they ultimately lost to Bayern Munich at Wembley Stadium.
In a dramatic match at the SIGNAL IDUNA Park, Dortmund initially took control with goals from Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen. However, Atlético fought back with an own goal from Mats Hummels and a stunning strike from Ángel Correa.
The turning point came with Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer’s outstanding performance. Sabitzer provided an assist for Niclas Füllkrug’s goal before scoring the decisive goal himself, securing Dortmund’s place in the semifinals.
Despite being awarded the Man of the Match by UEFA, Brandt acknowledged Sabitzer’s crucial contribution, stating, “Marcel Sabitzer was our most important man today.”
For Dortmund, advancing to the later stages of the Champions League could have significant implications, including qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Additionally, Dortmund’s success improves the Bundesliga’s chances of securing a fifth Champions League spot through UEFA coefficient standings.
However, Dortmund’s inconsistency in the Bundesliga remains a concern, with coach Edin Terzic emphasising the need for improvement domestically. Despite this, Terzic expressed pride in his team’s performance against Atlético and looked ahead to the semifinals against PSG.
Dortmund’s European form contrasts with their struggles in the Bundesliga, drawing comparisons to their previous Champions League success in 1997. Despite facing challenges in the league, Dortmund’s strong European performances offer hope for a successful campaign, potentially culminating in another appearance at Wembley.
