Niclas Fullkrug’s first-half goal and some sterling back end play helped Borussia Dortmund take a 1-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain at the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday in a UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg.
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The French side were coming off a successful weekend where they claimed their third-straight Ligue 1 title, as Les Parisiens have now won 10 of their 12 all-time top-flight titles since 2012-13.
Dortmund, the 1996-97 European Cup champions, have reached just one final since then, losing the final and a Klassiker in 2012-13 against Bayern.
Dortmund’s forgotten stars Sancho, Hummels lead underdog charge
Jadon Sancho, Mats Hummels, and Niclas Fullkrug are terrific players and big names on the world stage, but their reputations largely — at least at the moment — pale in comparison to those of Kylian Mbappe, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, and Gigi Donnarumma.
But the BVB crew just kept delivering — block after block, shot after shot, 50/50 after 50/50 — and will head to Paris with a 1-goal lead and the edge in a fight to reach the final in London.
Sancho had three created chances and 11 touches in the PSG box while Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck were fantastic at the other end in front of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
There’s something to this team that is rising above its collective weight, at least in the UEFA Champions League. And perhaps we will get an all-Bundesliga, Klassiker final pairing of massive rivals looking to save their seasons after very disappointing league campaigns.
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain player ratings (fotmob.com)
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain player ratings (fotmob.com)
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain player ratings (fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Dortmund host Augsburg in Bundesliga play on Saturday, while PSG do not play a league match between legs.
The second leg comes 3pm ET Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.
How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3pm ET, Wednesday (May 1)
How to watch: Paramount+ and TUDN USA
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain live updates — By Nick Mendola
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Fullkrug (36')
DORTMUND STRIKE FIRST ⚡
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 1, 2024
Schlotterbeck sends a perfect ball over to the top 👌
Füllkrug makes no mistake 🎯 pic.twitter.com/GJ2jytxpbd
Should be level!
Fabian Ruiz opens up the BVB set-up with a pass to Kylian Mbappe, who cuts back to Ousmane Dembele for a prime chance.
He blazes over the goal.
There have been so many near-misses here. It could be 3-0 Dortmund or 3-1 PSG on another day.
More saves
Gregor Kobel has had a big second half, with a point-blank save as the game nears its final 15 minutes.
Surprising non-call
Julian Brandt sends a gorgeous pass toward Niclas Fullkrug, who is airborne when he appears to be pushed in the back.
No call from Anthony Taylor, on what looked like it could’ve been a penalty.
The replay from behind shows that Nuno Mendes takes his hands off Fullkrug almost immediately after the striker goes airborne.
Halftime — Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG’s had more of the ball but Dortmund could have a multi-goal lead at home.
The two best chances of the match are counted amid five attempts to PSG’s three.
Lucas Beraldo had to replace Lucas Hernandez of PSG late in the half thanks to injury.
We’ll see what other chances come from Luis Enrique in the second half.
Donnarumma makes a great stop
Marcel Sabitzer snaps into a half-volley from close range but Donnarumma stays firm and blocks the chance just before half.
Ian Maatsen appeals for a penalty after a post-rebound coming-together, but nothing.
Nico to Niclas! Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain (36th minute)
Nico Schlotterbeck lifts the lid on the PSG defense and Niclas Fullkrug is behind to meet the long pass.
Fullkrug takes it down with a terrific first touch and then lashed a low drive past Donnarumma.
The hosts lead!
More Dortmund
Marcel Sabitzer gets in-tight but cannot put the ball past a splayed Donnarumma.
Dortmund win a corner after Brandt’s shot meets a shanked clearance for PSG.
Brandt’s corner clears a group of defenders and is headed wide by Jadon Sancho.
Still scoreless after a half-hour.
PSG chance
Ousmane Dembele creates a yard of space and tears into a low shot that drifts wide of the far post.
Les Parisiens beginning to grab hold of the occasion at the Westfalenstadion.
Dortmund possessing early
The visitors begin well.
No shots in the first five minutes but Julian Brandt carries up-field and slides it to Jadon Sancho, whose cross is blocked out for a throw.
Borussia Dortmund lineup
Kobel, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Ryerson, Can, Sabitzer, Maatsen, Brandt, Sancho, Adeyemi, Fullkrug
Paris Saint-Germain lineup
Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernandez, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha, Dembele, Barcola, Mbappe.
Borussia Dortmund focus, team news
Dortmund remains without leading league scorer Donyell Malen as well as Remy Bensebaini, and clutch forward Sebastien Haller, but could have Ian Maatsen back.
They’ll look to Niclas Fullkrug in the finishing department, but Julian Brandt has been the club’s top playmaker. Center back Nico Schlotterbeck has been essential at the back end.
Paris Saint-Germain focus, team news
Kylian Mbappe remains the heart and soul of PSG’s on-field hopes despite an impending exit this summer. His 33 goal contributions in Ligue 1 are 21 more than his next closest teammate (Goncalo Ramos, 12). Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi have starred for Les Parisiens this season, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is always capable of a big moment. PSG is still without Layvin Kurzawa, Presnel Kimpembe, and Sergio Rico.