These two teams actually met in the group stages earlier this season, PSG prevailing 2-0 in Paris before an entertaining 1-1 draw at Westfalenstadion, so, as the duo prepare to meet again, both will see this as a golden chance to reach a rare Champions League Final.
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain match preview
The Champions League remains the holy grail for Paris Saint-Germain so, given that they come into this tie as firm favourites, the French champions simply must stand up and be counted.
PSG have become infamous for their calamitous premature Champions League exits in recent seasons, seemingly set for another in the quarter-finals, when Barcelona left Parc des Princes 3-2 winners.
Six night later, les Rouges-et-Bleus then had a mountain to climb, finding themselves a further goal behind after just 12 minutes at Montjuïc, although everything changed when Ronald Araújo was sent off soon after.
Up against ten-men, PSG eventually made their numerical advantage count, with Ousmane Dembélé halving the deficit against his former side, before Vitinha lashed home an aggregate equaliser from long-range.
Kylian Mbappé then converted a penalty that put les Parisiens ahead in the tie, before his second of the night secured a remontada, sending them through to the semi-finals.
This is only the third time in the Qatari era that PSG have reached the last four of this competition, but both of the previous two came during Covid times, beaten finalists in 2020 before falling at this hurdle against Manchester City 12 months later.
Thus, this’ll be the first time Paris Saint-Germain supporters have witnessed their team in a Champions League semi-final since Luis Fernández’s team were ousted by AC Milan all the way back in 1995.
Fast forward almost three decades, Luis Enrique’s side have rubber stamped the Ligue 1 title, a tenth in 12 seasons, despite only managing a 3-3 draw with Le Havre on Saturday, but continental success remains the priority, so will PSG be in a commanding position following this first leg in North Rhine-Westphalia?
Borussia Dortmund meantime, unlike their visitors, have won the Champions League, doing so 27 years ago by defeating Juventus 3-1 at Olympiapark München.
Despite that triumph, this’ll be only die Schwarzgelben’s fifth appearance in the semis, previously getting this far in ‘64, ‘97, ‘98 and 2013, beaten by Bayern Munich in the final at Wembley 11 years ago, a repeat of which could be on the cards.
To get here, Edin Terzić's team took care of PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16, before producing a comeback of their own in the quarters, going 2-0 at the Metropolitano inside half an hour, at which point they appeared dead and buried, only for Sébastien Haller to half the deficit late on.
Dortmund then raced into a 2-0 lead when Atlético Madrid visited six nights later, only for Atleti to hit back twice, meaning it was los Colchoneros who were ahead with just 20 minutes remaining.
Nevertheless, quick-fire goals from Niclas Füllkrug and then Marcel Sabitzer saw them turn the tie around yet again, with the over 81,000 in attendance able to celebrate an historic victory.
On Saturday, Terzić's side were smashed 4-1 by RB Leipzig, leaving them fifth in the Bundesliga, very much relieved that this will be enough to see them return to this competition next season.
However, Dortmund have saved their best performances for this tournament, unbeaten in ten Champions League home games, and they’ll feel victory at Westfalenstadion is vitally important.
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain Tips
Despite the fact the group phase encounters between the pair finished 2-0 and 1-1, we’re anticipating a much more high-scoring affair this time.
Both teams have scored in each of Dortmund’s last five fixtures, matches that have produced 19 goals, with both teams scoring in 61% of die Schwarzgelben’s Bundesliga and Champions League matches this season.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, both teams have scored in seven of their last nine European fixtures, with these games producing 30 goals.
Les Rouges-et-Bleus’ last 36 Champions League knockout phase fixtures have witnessed 112 goals, an average of 3.11 goals per game, hence why we’re expecting another goal-fest.
This isn’t particularly bold, but we’re backing Kylian Mbappé to add to the eight goals he’s scored in the Champions League this season, making him the competition’s top-scorer.
The forward bagged a brace at Stade du Moustoir against Lorient last mid-week, taking his tally to 43 goals for the season.
In the Champions League, Mbappé has scored 48 times, only eight men have more, four of which have come against Borussia Dortmund, including a brace at Westfalenstadion as a teenager seven years ago while still with Monaco, and we’re backing him to add to his tally.
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