There are only two German “mannschafts” left competing for a chance to raise the coveted Champions League trophy. Borussia Dortmund is one of two left fighting for a chance to advance and eventually make the finals. They faced Atletico Madrid on April 16th at Signal Iduna Park in their quarter-final second-leg game, beating them 4-2. Ian Maatsen, Marcel Sabitzer, Niclas Fullkrug, and Julian Brandt helped Edin Terzic’s side reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
Atletico beat Dortmund 2-1 in their first-leg clash. Brandt was keen not to hit the bar again at Iduna like he did at the Wanda Metropolitano, denying his team an equalizer. The Yellow Wall was full several hours before the match began, and Dortmund players were determined to entertain their fans.
Borussia Dortmund Dominates the First Half
The two teams battled it out in the first 30 minutes, each trying to penetrate their opponent’s defense line. Luck struck on Dortmund’s side in the 34th minute when Julian Brandt scored an opener and the crowd celebrated loudly.
Ian Maatsen scored Borussia Dortmund’s second goal earning them a vital 2-0 lead in the first half. Atletico Madrid strived to score before the halftime whistle, but their efforts were in vain. Still, they remained optimistic that the odds would favor them after the break.
A Rollercoaster in the Second Half
Diego Simeone made three changes in his side. Mats Hummels scored an own goal in the 49th minute and reduced Borussia Dortmund’s lead. Angel Correa netted Atletico’s equalizer in the 64th minute. Nevertheless, Fullkrug turned the tables with his stunning goal in the 71st minute.
Sabitzer killed Atletico Madrid’s hope of equalizing again when he netted Dortmund’s fourth goal in the 74th minute. None of the sides was lucky to score again and the match ended in a 4-2 score, with Borussia Dortmund having a higher aggregate than Atletico. The German side will clash with Kylian Mbappe’s PSG at Wembley Stadium.
Brandt won the Man-of-the-Match award saying, “It was a crazy game for the fans and us. A great game for us, for our fans, and for all football fans around the world. It’s going to be very serious now against Paris. We played well against them at home in the group stage, but not well away. We want to do better now and, of course, reach the final.”
Fullkrug got excited after Borussia Dortmund advanced to the semi-finals. He stated, “I’ve never played at this level before and I’m very proud to be in the semifinals of the Champions League with my team. Things will certainly be different against Paris than in the group stage.”
Edin Terzic and Hans-Joachim Watzeke’s Remarks
Hans-Joachim Watzke, Borussia Dortmund’s chief executive said:
That was a rollercoaster, a really great evening. It’s not always like that for Borussia Dortmund. The last time we were in the semifinals was in 2013. This is a great day for all Borussen.
Terzic stated after Dortmund’s stellar performance, “Our first game against them wasn’t good. In the second game, we adjusted to them better and were closer to victory. I think we’re a better team today than we were against them in the group stage.”
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