BVB defeats Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-final

Borussia Dortmund advances to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals with a score of 1-0. BVB with Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Koppel wins at home thanks to a goal by Niklas Volkrug.

The match in Dortmund, the third encounter this season after the preliminary round matches between Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, could also have ended 3-3. But neither team was convincing with their quality, so a simple move in the 36th minute made the difference: a long pass from Niko Schlotterbeck found Niklas Volkrug, who made a perfect run deep, and scored the precious goal to make it 1-0.

Dortmund's victory is worth its weight in gold not only because of its improved starting position in the semi-finals, but also because it gives the German League fifth place in the Champions League thanks to the points it obtained in the UEFA classification. This means that BVB will definitely be represented in the top flight again next season.

Dortmund's victory was not deserved. Edin Terzic's side, often unconvincing in the Bundesliga and losing 4-1 in Leipzig at the weekend, played quietly. They controlled Kylian Mbappé and co very well in defense for one half and at least well after the break where no goals were scored.

Borussia Dortmund needed a bit of luck to keep the scoreline alive – especially five minutes after the break, when Kylian Mbappe hit Coppell's left post, and seconds later Achraf Hakimi hit the right post. Later, Coppell made a strong save from Ousmane Dembélé's shot. In the 80th minute, Dembele, the former Dortmund player, narrowly missed the equalizer again when he shot over the goal from a good position.

Mbappe was rarely able to contribute.Image: Cornerstone

But Dortmund was always dangerous in the fast-paced match and had opportunities to score more goals. Marcel Sabitzer came close to scoring two goals in the first half. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked him twice. After the break, Volkrug was unable to capitalize on Sancho's perfect preparation work from five metres.

The starting position for the return match next Tuesday in Paris is now completely open. Dortmund have proven that they can keep up with PSG with smart tactics and a lot of effort. In the first leg of a Champions League semi-final from 2013, their willingness to run and their concentration were on point throughout the entire 90 minutes. This will also be necessary in the return match. Because it is not expected that Paris Saint-Germain will be at home, as is the case in Dortmund, and will not start playing offensively until 45 minutes after the start of the match.

Borussia Dortmund – Paris Saint-Germain 1:0 (1:0)
81,365 spectators. – S. R. Taylor.
Goal: 36. Fill the jug 1:0.
Borussia Dortmund: couple. Ryerson (Wolf 87), Hummels, Schlotterbeek, Matsen; Sabitzer, Kan; Sancho, Brandt (87 Nmisha), Adeyemi (83 Reus); Filling a jug (91. Mokoko).
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma. Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernandez (Beraldo 42), Nuno Mendes; Zaire Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembélé, Mbappé, Barkola (65. Kolo Mwani).
Warnings: 19. Mattsen 53. Ruiz 73. Schlotterbeck. comments: Borussia Dortmund with Koppel. (Abu/Sda)