PSG and Borussia Dortmund to semi-finals
PSG and Borussia Dortmund through to the semi-finals: The Champions League never disappoints, two deficits overturned. When it seemed three Spanish teams were heading to the semis,. Blink it back, there’s pain in Spain.
Kylian Mbappe and Dembele put a dagger in the hearts of Barcelona faithfuls as Dortmund overcame a one-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as PSG capitalised 10-man. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (23 in 39 games) has scored more away goals in the knockout rounds of the Champions League than Kylian Mbappé (15). The Frenchman has done that in just 12 games.
The French giants will go ahead and qualify for the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-1 win in the second leg.
Barcelona ran out at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys armed with a 3-2 triumph from their first meeting in Paris and when Raphinha capitalised on Lamine Yamal’s skilful approach work to fire the opener, they had one foot in the semis.
But a moment of calamity came in the 29th minute when defender Araujo was sent off for tripping winger Bradley Barcola on the edge of the area, VAR confirming the on-field decision for a red card.
The pressure built on the home goal, and PSG hit back through former Barcelona player Ousmane Dembele in the 40th minute before Vitinha drilled the French champions into the lead on the night.
Barcelona‘s frustration extended to their manager Xavi, who was sent off for kicking some water bottles, and the Spanish club’s misery was complete when Mbappe was on target from the penalty spot before adding a late second for a 6-4 aggregate win and also becoming the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach 40+ goals this season.
PSG will face Borussia Dortmund in the last four after the German club overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to ensure a 5-4 victory on aggregate over Atletico Madrid.
In another entertaining quarter-final, Dortmund went 2-0 up through Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen before a Mats Hummels own goal and Angel Correa’s strike levelled the score.
Atletico were in the driving seat but the hosts responded magnificently, with Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer hitting the target to ignite celebrations at the Westfalenstadion.
with the first semi final fixture confirmed, and the second known later today when Arsenal take on Bayern, and Real Madrid will be hoping for a “Le Remontada” over Manchester City.
