Borussia Dortmund may not boast the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Harry Kane, or Kylian Mbappé—stars shining for other Champions League semifinalists this year. Yet, despite the odds, they find themselves within touching distance of the final.
Their recent 1-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in Dortmund sets the stage for a potentially historic moment. If they can maintain their lead or secure a draw in Paris next week, they’ll be on their way to Wembley, facing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Dortmund’s journey to this point has been characterized by collective effort and effective utilization of their resources. Players like Mats Hummels and Jadon Sancho have been instrumental, showcasing the team’s depth and spirit.
Coach Edin Terzic attributes their success to a strong team performance rather than individual brilliance. Despite lacking the star power of PSG, Dortmund has proven resilient, overcoming challenges in previous rounds and surprising many with their progress.
The narrative of Dortmund’s rise is juxtaposed with PSG’s star-studded lineup, highlighting the contrast in approaches. While PSG invests heavily in marquee names, Dortmund focuses on building a cohesive unit from within and through strategic signings.
Terzic’s tactical acumen and the players’ determination have been pivotal, as demonstrated by their unbeaten run at home in Champions League matches. The fervent support of the “Yellow Wall” adds to the team’s strength, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
As they head into the second leg against PSG, Dortmund remains aware of the challenges ahead. But with their underdog spirit and collective ethos, they are poised to continue defying expectations and make their mark on European football.
