Putting in what was an iconic performance on Tuesday night, Borussia Dortmund punched their Champions League final ticket as they secured a famous 1-0 victory away at PSG.
Making the trip to Paris holding a slender one-goal advantage after claiming another 1-0 win in rural Germany last week, BVB were bracing themselves for what appeared to be a monumental challenge on foreign soil.
However, with veteran defender Mats Hummels powering home a close range header just five minutes after returning from the half-time break, Dortmund put in what was a remarkable defensive display as they frustrated Kylian Mbappe and Co.
Backed by an emotional travelling support and producing what was arguably their most famous European performance here, Dortmund will now begin planning for their trip to Wembley on Saturday, June 1st.
With Real Madrid welcoming arch-rivals Bayern Munich to the Spanish capital for the second semi-final showdown on Wednesday night, there could still be an all-German affair on the cards.
As for PSG, the French giants wait for a maiden European crown goes on for another year and they will certainly be hit with a major backlash over the next few days.
On a night when Borussia Dortmund punched a first Champions League final spot since 2011, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Paris.
Borussia Dortmund produce an iconic performance in Paris
While Borussia Dortmund might have fallen drastically short of mounting another genuine Bundesliga title charge this season, the German giants have embarked on an iconic Champions League adventure.
Definitely saving their best performances for the European stage, Tuesday’s guests have certainly cemented their spot as one of this season’s ultimate surprise packages.
Mounting a remarkable second-leg comeback at home against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid last month as they eventually secured a famous 4-3 aggregate victory in rural Germany, BVB have continued to pick up some monumental scalps.
Firmly placing all of their eggs in this year’s Champions League basket, it appears that Dortmund’s upcoming trip to Wembley will be enough to save Edin Terzic his job at Signal Iduna Park.
Despite continued speculation over the future of the one-time West Ham coach, the German tactician has guided Dortmund to a first Champions League final since 2011 and has written himself into BVB folklore.
The end of the road for Enrique
Although PSG might have breezed their way to yet another Ligue 1 crown this season and hardly having to get out of third gear, it is no secret that Champions League success is at the top of their agenda.
Remarkably failing to get their hands on a maiden European crown since their bank-breaking takeover was confirmed in 2011, questions will once again be asked about Luis Enrique’s long-term future in Paris.
With the former Barcelona boss dividing opinion among PSG’s fanbase since taking charge last year, it now seems increasing likely that the 53-year-old will be removed from his post over the coming weeks.
After watching defending champions Manchester City fall by the wayside last month, Tuesday’s hosts had billed this season as a golden opportunity to finally establish themselves as one of Europe’s elite.
However, falling short over both legs and certainly bracing themselves for another European backlash in the French capital, Enrique will be more than aware that he has fallen short of his objectives this season.
Mbappe signs of his time with a whimper
Chasing a 1-0 deficit heading into Tuesday’s second-leg and with plenty of pressure on their shoulders, PSG were calling on their attacking talisman to spearhead their comeback in Paris and make a public statement here.
Although Mbappe might have once again been firing on all cylinders this season after notching eight Champions League goals in his 12 appearances, the French superstar drastically fell short over the past week.
Drawing a blank in both legs and struggling to ask any real questions of a rugged Dortmund defence, the one-time Monaco starlet won’t be getting his dream departure from Paris this summer.
At the heart of another public transfer saga over the past few months and failing to agree on a bumper new deal with PSG, it is no secret that the future Ballon d’Or winner is almost destined for a famous switch to Real Madrid.
Although Mbappe might have made it clear that he sole focus has been on dragging the French giants to a maiden European crown, the 25-year-old signed off his tenure in the capital with a real whimper.
Match Report
PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes, Ruiz, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Demble, Ramos, Mbappe
Subs: Lee Kang-in, Barcola, Asensio
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Matsen, Can, Sabitzer, Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi, Fullkrug
Subs: Nmecha, Reus, Sule
Goals: Hummels (50’)
Yellow Cards: PSG: Hakimi, Dembele Borussia Dortmund: Hummels, Sabitzer
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Daniele Orsato
