In a thrilling Champions League semifinal first leg match, Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in Dortmund, Germany. The lone goal of the match came in the 36th minute when Niclas Füllkrug expertly controlled a long pass from Nico Schlotterbeck before slotting it past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Füllkrug expressed his delight at scoring in such a crucial game, highlighting the significance of his near-post finish. The win gives Dortmund a slight edge heading into the second leg in Paris, where PSG will be looking to overturn the result to advance to the final.
With this victory, Dortmund secured qualification for next season's Champions League, ensuring the Bundesliga will have five representatives in the competition. The intense match saw Dortmund outperform PSG in terms of distance covered, with the home team running almost 10 kilometers more than their opponents.
Despite PSG's efforts, including hitting the post twice in the second half, Dortmund's defense held firm. Both teams missed opportunities to score, with Dortmund's Füllkrug and PSG's Dembelé failing to convert clear chances.
Looking ahead, Dortmund will aim to maintain their lead in the second leg, while PSG will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance at home. The winner of this semifinal tie will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final in London on June 1.
Overall, the match showcased Dortmund's resilience and PSG's determination, setting the stage for an exciting second leg as both teams vie for a spot in the prestigious Champions League final.