With a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the second half thanks to a header from Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund advanced to the Champions League final at Wembley, becoming the first team to do so. The squad won 2-0 overall.
Dortmund, who had already won the first leg in Germany by one goal, put on an outstanding defensive performance to contain Kylian Mbappe and company. Five minutes into the second half, Hummels rose highest to head in Julian Brandt’s corner.
That goal was vital because, throughout the course of the two legs, PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery, Nuno Mendes, Mbappe, and Vitinha all hit the post four times in the second half, denying the French team six times.
PSG wasted a lot of opportunities as well, missing 30 goals. Goncalo Ramos wasted the best of the opportunities, and referee Daniele Orsato decided to award a free kick on the edge of the box rather than a penalty kick, depriving the hosts of a chance.
Therefore, Dortmund’s outstanding performance—rather than Mbappe’s magic—will be the star of the June 1 Champions League final in London, when it will take on Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Tezic to TNT Sports:
“Proud. If I have to find one word, it’s proud for us. I’m very proud for my staff and my team, for the club. The dream is not over yet!
“We suffered a lot but we showed a very good away game against a team that is so powerful up front, so quick, so mobile – and we kept two clean sheets. We won both games in the semi-finals, this unbelievable and outstanding.
“[The defence was] led by Gregor Kobel, then Hummels, then Nico Schlotterbeck, then Julian Ryerson, then Ian Maatsen. The boys in front of them, it was an outstanding team performance. Other than that, you have no chance to keep a clean sheet. It’s impossible.
“The second half was just passionate and keep a clean sheet, do everything to block crosses and shots.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique to TNT Sports:
“When the result is that, it’s a difficult night. A tight match but to be honest we deserved to win the match.
“We created 30 shots, four off the post and in the two matches we hit the post six times and we didn’t score a goal. Football is so unfair sometimes.
“Congratulations to them, they’re a great team. They did great and I hope they can go to the final and win it.
“Our job is trying to create something positive. Now it’s a sad moment but at the same time you have to accept the game goes in that way. We have to create something special next year and try to win that competition.”
PSG, who have already won Ligue 1, will visit Toulouse, which is now in 11th place, on Sunday.
On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund will play their next game when they travel to Mainz.
Other posts by Hiresh
