Borussia Dortmund managed to take the advantage in the first-leg against Paris Saint-Germain, sealing a narrow 2-1 win over the French side at the Signal Iduna Park.
It was a cagey start to the game, with both teams barely being able to maintain consistency as far as their chance creation in the final third were concerned. However, an improved second-half display from both sides saw this game turn into a pulsating contest with Dortmund finding the opener in the 69th minute through Erling Haaland.
The lead was short-lived as PSG managed to found the equaliser thanks to Neymar in the 75th minute. But, minutes later, Dortmund restored their lead once again through Haaland. It was a nervy ending to the game for the home side, as they somehow managed to see out their narrow lead in the end.
Borussia Dortmund Players Rated In Win Over PSG
Roman Burki 7.5/10
Surprisingly did not have much to do apart from saving Kylian Mbappe’s effort in the first half. The Swiss international looked confident with his punches and collections while he had very little chance of stopping Neymar’s effort for the equaliser.
Lukasz Piszczek 7/10
It was a mixed defensive display from Piszczek in Dortmund’s three-man backline. It is probably fair to say that the Pole was fortunate, at times, and definitely looked like the weak link in the build-up phases. His commitment was standout, however.
Mats Hummels 7.5/10
Hummels was probably the most consistent defender this evening. The Dortmund star led the backline and made some important tackles and interceptions. Could have done better to clear dangerous balls into the box, especially during the final phase of the game.
Dan-Axel Zagadou 7.5/10
Zagadou was by far the best Dortmund defender in the first half. But, the Frenchman weirdly struggled to impose his dominance after the restart. It was his tame tackle that allowed Mbappe to create a glorious opportunity for Neymar for PSG’s equaliser.
Achraf Hakimi 8/10
Achraf Hakimi’s decision making in the final third was questionable, at times. But, the right-back deserves a lot of credit for the seamless attacking support from the flanks. His crosses caused a lot of problems for the PSG backline while his combination play was also top-notch.
Axel Witsel 9/10
A flawless display from the Belgian anchorman, whose calming presence in midfield bettered Dortmund’s ball-retention. He also did well to isolate PSG’s chance creation from the central areas of the pitch. A top-class performance.
Emre Can 8.5/10
Emre Can looked sloppy and lost possession numerous times. But, his remarkable work-rate and physical presence in the middle third of the pitch simply cannot be overlooked as it made it difficult for the likes of Marco Verratti and Idrissa Gueye to dominate the home side.
Raphael Guerreiro 8.5/10
Guerreiro was clinical throughout the ninety minutes. While the Portuguese sensation wasn’t as involved as Hakimi on the opposite flank, his ability to bring the ball out of defence eased Dortmund’s transition. He was also quite influential in the final third, during the second half.
Jadon Sancho 8.5/10
Jadon Sancho caused a lot of panic in the PSG camp with his trickery and pace in the final third. The Englishman was arguably the most active player on the pitch. And even though he waster a couple of glorious counter-attacking opportunities, his presence was undoubtedly crucial in Dortmund’s overall chance creation, especially with Julian Brandt out injured.
Erling Haaland 9/10
Haaland had a slow start to the game as he was barely involved in the proceedings. But, as the game progressed, the youngster found more time on the ball. And in the end, he showed his true quality and instinct by scoring two goals during the final phase of the game. The second goal, in particular, was mesmerising.
Haaland continues his incredible scoring form and has now netted ten goals in just seven games in all competitions for the Black and Yellows. What a signing!
Thorgan Hazard 7/10
Thorgan Hazard was criticised a lot for his sloppy decision making and lack of composure going forward. But, the ex-Gladbach star showed impressive work-rate and helped out Can and Witsel in the second line of press. He wasn’t as effective as Sancho or Haaland, though.
SUBSTITUTES
Giovanni Reyna 7.5/10
Replaced the ineffective Hazard in the 68th minute and allowed Sancho to play more freely in the final third. He hovered around the central areas of the pitch and played nice one-twos. Moreover, his quick feet helped evade the PSG press on a few occasions. But more importantly, the young American sensation provided the assist for Haaland’s second goal.
Marcel Schmelzer N/A
Came on for Sancho in the 91st minute in a somewhat surprise move by Lucien Favre.
