Dortmund prepared well for PSG, Sancho gave a fantastic performance

Borussia Dortmund beat PSG 1:0 in the opening semi-final match. The only goal of the match was scored by Niklas Füllkrug. However, it is worth mentioning the great tactical readiness of the home team and also the great performance of Jadon Sancho, who gave a reminder of his previous engagement at Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund were ready for anything

The opening half was quiet. Neither team rushed headlong into attack and there was a wait-and-see attitude from both sides. Visiting PSG in particular looked like they were letting the Champions League semi-final go to their heads a lot and it looked like it.

Aside from the goal situation in the 1st half, nothing serious happened. Was it the importance or the great preparedness from both sides? The 2nd half suggested that it was mainly the home side’s preparedness. Dortmund complied with the tactical instructions up to half time and didn’t allow the opponent to do anything.

On the left side, Karim Adeyemi was honest throughout the game with Achraf Hakimi, who is known for his offensive outings. The outside backs, along with the central midfielders, closed the open spaces where a penetrating pass could go for Paris’ speedy wingers. The visitors couldn’t cope without quick penetrations along the edges of the pitch.

The only chances PSG created came during the 10 minute mark of the 2nd half, when the game quickly turned from side to side. In this stretch, Paris hit 2 posts in a matter of seconds. However, the home side quickly calmed the game down and after that the opponent was again joyless.

Sancho was unstoppable

The England international’s performance was reminiscent of Jadon Sancho’s regular performances before his transfer to Manchester United. The Englishman knew how to handle himself in one-on-one duels with almost every opposing player.

Sancho registered the highest number of successful dribbles in a Champions League match in the current season. The Englishman completed 11 dribbles which is really an incredible number. Moreover, during his time at Manchester United, Sancho seemed to have completely forgotten how to get around his opponents.

So right after the game, the Englishman faced questions about whether he would return to England after the season or stay in Dortmund. “I really have no idea. I’m focusing on the present “, promptly replied Sancho. If he performs like this, the BVB management will certainly not expel him.

Source: Champions League, Twitter