PSG, Dortmund Reach Champions League Semi Finals
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) staged a comeback victory over FC Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, while Borussia Dortmund secured a dramatic win against another Spanish team, Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona, who had won the first leg 3-2, took an early lead in the second leg through Raphinha in the 12th minute.
However, the momentum shifted significantly when Barcelona's Ronald Araujo was shown a red card by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs in the 29th minute for a last-man foul. PSG capitalised on their numerical advantage, equalising just before halftime through Ousmane Dembele. In the second half, the Parisians upped their tempo, adding three more goals: through Vitinha and twice through Kylian Mbappe.
"I'm proud to be a part of this team since I arrived. It's something special to represent the club from my hometown. What happened tonight is something special for every Parisian. We beat a strong team, one we prepared hard to beat," said Kylian Mbappe, PSG striker.
Dortmund's Dream Night!
Local team Borussia Dortmund secured a surprising yet impressive qualification for the Champions League semi-finals. The German team eliminated Spanish side Atletico Madrid after losing the first leg 1-2. Borussia Dortmund dominated the first half, leading 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen. Atletico coach Diego Simeone made three substitutions at halftime, and the effect was immediate. Atletico reduced the deficit in the 49th minute when Mats Hummels scored an own goal, and just over a quarter of an hour later Angel Correa equalised. However, the Germans didn't give up and scored twice in just three minutes. Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer found the net, and Dortmund qualified for the semi-finals of the competition after 11 years.
"I'm extremely happy and very proud of the team. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic. There were two moments when the opponents challenged us, but we didn't give up. Regardless of the outcome of the two matches, we were confident and showed that we are strong," said Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.
Borussia Dortmund will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. The first leg will be played in Germany on April 30 or May 1, and the return leg will take place in the French capital a week later.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
