In a thrilling encounter at the Parc des Princes, Borussia Dortmund punched their ticket to the UEFA Champions League final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, sealing a 2-0 aggregate triumph. Here are five key talking points from the gripping contest:
1. Hummels' Heroics: Dortmund's veteran defender, Mats Hummels, proved to be the difference-maker as he rose above the PSG defense to powerfully head home from a Julian Brandt corner. His goal not only secured Dortmund's place in the final but also showcased his invaluable experience and leadership on the big stage.
2. PSG's Missed Opportunities: Despite dominating large spells of the game, PSG failed to capitalize on their chances, with Warren Zaire-Emery's glaring miss epitomizing their wastefulness in front of goal. The Parisian side will rue their inability to convert their numerous opportunities and will be left wondering what could have been.
3. Dortmund's Defensive Resilience: Facing relentless pressure from PSG's star-studded attack, Dortmund's defense stood firm, showcasing resilience and composure under intense scrutiny. Led by the likes of Hummels and goalkeeper Marwin Hitz, Dortmund thwarted PSG's advances and held firm to secure the clean sheet they needed to progress.
4. Mbappé's Frustration: Despite his best efforts, PSG's talismanic forward, Kylian Mbappé, was unable to inspire his team to victory. The French sensation, known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, found himself frustrated by Dortmund's well-organized defense, ultimately falling short in his quest to overturn the deficit.
5. Final Showdown Looms: With their place in the final secured, Dortmund now turn their attention to the ultimate showdown on Europe's biggest stage. As they await their opponents, speculation mounts over a potential rematch with bitter rivals Bayern Munich, offering the tantalizing prospect of redemption for Dortmund after their heartbreak in the 2013 final.