PSG faces uphill battle after narrow defeat to Dortmund in Champions League semi-final
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will need to mount a comeback after suffering a 1-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The match decided at Signal Iduna Park, saw Edin Terzić’s Dortmund securing a slender advantage thanks to a goal from Niclas Fullkrug in the 36th minute.
Fullkrug’s remarkable goal came after he expertly controlled a long ball from defender Nico Schlotterbeck before calmly slotting the ball past PSG’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite numerous chances for both teams, poor finishing kept the scoreline at 1-0. PSG’s Kylian Mbappe came close to equalizing when his curling shot struck the post, with Achraf Hakimi also hitting the woodwork from the rebound. However, PSG squandered several opportunities, with Fabián Ruiz notably missing two free headers in the second half.
Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho was a standout performer for Dortmund, tormenting PSG’s defense with his dazzling runs and skills throughout the match.
Despite Sancho’s brilliance, Dortmund failed to capitalize on some promising opportunities, including a chance for Fullkrug from a Sancho cutback.
The two teams will meet again in six days’ time at the Parc des Princes for the second leg. Dortmund will aim to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the Champions League final for the first time since the 2012/2013 season.
However, PSG will be determined to bounce back and seize the opportunity to win the coveted trophy that has so far eluded them in their history.
