Match Preview: Dortmund Travel to Paris Chasing a UCL Final
06/05/2024 18:30
Can BVB do the unthinkable?
We are just over 24 hours away from the biggest game of the season for Borussia Dortmund: a semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Black and Yellows will be looking to book their ticket to Wembley on Tuesday after a 1-0 home win that saw both sides attack relentlessly and defend astutely. Borussia Dortmund picked up some extra motivation this weekend, both with a 5-1 win against Augsburg and the news that club legend Marco Reus will not extend his contract with the organization. There is a sense of responsibility floating through the team and this Championship is owed to Marco Reus, and that the team needs to do everything in their power to bring it to him.
If BVB are to progress in this time, it will take some serious heart. PSG continue to be one of the strongest competitors in world sports, and since the departure of some of their biggest star names, it seems the team has become more of a unit and less reliant in individual brilliance. Dortmund have shown surprising teamwork as well, throughout their entire UCL campaign. The team needs to continue performing at the highest level if they are to take out PSG, and whoever remains on the other side of the bracket.
Player to Watch: Ousmane Dembele
We all know who the real player to watch is. Instead of focusing on Mbappe, however, we will look at Ousmane Dembele. The BvB alum was PSG's most lively attacker in the first leg as he frequently battled with both Ian Maatsen and Karim Adeyemi down Dortmund's left flank. The Frenchman's savvy dribbling wasn't quite on display in the first leg but he was involved in several of PSG's major chances, including a massive opportunity in the 81st minute that saw him sky the ball over Kobel's crossbar. Dembele will once again be looking to get on the end of chances and Dortmund will have to do better, or be as lucky, if they hope to keep a clean sheet.
Predicted Lineup
Edin Terzic had the opportunity to rotate at the weekend, and he did so heavily. Dortmund's spirited 5-1 performance should show him that there's more talent in his squad than he realizes. Still, expect a very similar team to the one that faced PSG last Wednesday.
Adeyemi will need to put in another defensive shift to keep Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele quiet, and while I expect Füllkrug and Sancho to get another start, look for Donyell Malen to make his way into the game at some point to add an injection of directness.
Prediction
PSG's ultras are known to create a high-energy environment, and the Parc De Princes will be rocking tomorrow. Paris are looking at their final season with Kylian Mbappe in the squad, and couldn't be more eager to reach the final. Still, both sides showed their quality in the first leg. If the shots go in tomorrow, unlike in Dortmund, it could be a high scoring, back-and-forth affair. Let's go for 3-3, with Dortmund's home advantage being just enough to take the Black and Yellows to the final.
Your Thoughts
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