Paris Saint-Germain - Borussia Dortmund - Match worthy of the final

What do you need to know?

The rivals have met twice this season in the group stage: PSG won 2-0 at the Parc des Princes, and a draw was recorded in Dortmund.1:1. Parisians looked preferable in Group F matches, but Dortmund had already guaranteed themselves a ticket to the playoffs by the last meeting in the sixth round, while PSG was one step away from relegation. If the Parisians had not equalized the score, Milan would have made it to 1/8, which beat Newcastle in a parallel meeting. Will Dortmund regret not knocking out the 2020 finalists at the group stage?

For Borussia, this is the fifth semi-final of the Champions Cup/Champions League and the first since 2013, when they beat Real Madrid and reached the final at Bayern Munich. The two German clubs may meet again in the decisive match this year because Munich is playing Real Madrid in the other semi-final. PSG will take part in the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth time. They didn't get this far in the Champions Cup era.

Borussia's fans should be encouraged because they have suffered only one defeat in eight home semi-final matches in European competitions (B5h2). PSG's statistics could be more impressive: in the last five semi-final matches of the Champions League, the Parisians have won only one victory. But the French club passed Borussia in the 1/8 finals of the 2019/20 Champions League (total 3:2).

Luis Enrique's players are very bright in the playoffs of the current draw and have scored ten goals in four matches with Real Sociedad and Barcelona. Borussia showed its best football in Dortmund, where PSV and Atletico were beaten. Whose trump cards will be more robust?

Approximate line-ups

PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Hernandez, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola

Disqualified: none

Borussia: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Zabitzer, Jan; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Fullkrug

Disqualified: none

Game plan

Paris Saint-Germain's strategy for this match will likely focus on exploiting Borussia's shaky defense to pressure them early in the game. A priority for PSG will include strengthening midfield control to feed the ball to their leading players upfront, such as Mbappe and Dembele, who are known for their scoring prowess. They will continue their primary tactic of attacking from the flanks through Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, utilizing their speed and dribbling skills.

On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund plans to hold their ground, using experience from their previous semi-final performances. Recognizing PSG's strength on the wings, they will look to disrupt the French club's attacking rhythm, capitalizing on their midfielders' skills at blocking and intercepting passes. Additionally, Dortmund will likely focus on the offensive line—taking advantage of forward Fullkrug and wingers Brandt and Sancho—to find openings in PSG's defense. Both teams will try to prevent deflectable free kicks and corners, which has led to scored goals in previous matches.

Importance of the match

It will be an essential match for both teams before reaching the final. The second meeting is decisive and will determine the winner who will go on. No one has any doubts that both teams will give their best. PSG and Dortmund last won the Champions League a long time ago, so it will be a severe battle.

Let's summarize

This match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund promises to be an electrifying and high-stakes game, potentially rivaling the intensity and excitement of a tournament final.

Based on their previous head-to-head encounters this season, it's clear that both teams are formidable opponents with their unique strengths. However, their recent form suggests that Paris Saint-Germain might hold a slight advantage. The French powerhouse has shown themselves more dominant in the group stages, despite Dortmund securing their playoff ticket earlier.

The Parisians' main strength lies in their potent attacking front, which includes heavyweights such as Mbappe and Dembele. Based on their game strategy, they will most likely put the pressure on early, capitalizing on Dortmund's defense vulnerabilities and dominating the midfield. If they successfully relay the ball to their prime scorers upfront and maintain their signature offensive style, they stand a good chance of securing a victory. Dortmund, however, should be considered. 

They have experience, having reached the Champions League semi-finals five times already. They will undoubtedly employ tactics to disrupt PSG's strategy—particularly the aggressive wing play—and leverage their strong offensive line. The battle will undoubtedly be tough, and both teams will need to minimize mistakes, especially when it comes to set-piece situations that have proved consequential in their previous encounters. The match promises to be a thrilling showdown, with potential for plenty of high-octane action and scoring opportunities on both sides.