At Borussia Dortmund, personnel concerns are fading in time for the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain (Wednesday, 9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Champions League and on DAZN). The return of the two professionals Emre Can and Ian Maatsen, who were still suspended in Leipzig (1:4), should ensure more defensive stability. In addition, defense chief Mats Hummels, who was substituted in Leipzig due to a tear in his shin, and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who has recovered from a cold, are available again.
Even Donyell Malen (thigh problems) and Sébastien Haller (ankle), who have been missing for weeks, were recently able to complete parts of the team training. “So far we are assuming that they are available to us,” said coach Edin Terzic on Tuesday shortly before the final training session.
The dwindling defensive concerns increase the chance that the Bundesliga fifth-place team can gain a good starting position for the second leg against the French champions with superstar Kylian Mbappé and former Dortmund player Ousmane Dembélé on May 7th. “The clear goal is for us to gain a small lead. We know that we have to perform at the highest level for at least 180 minutes to realize our dream,” said Terzic.
Everyone involved is hoping to return to this year’s final venue, Wembley, where BVB lost 2-1 to FC Bayern Munich in the German final in 2013. The fact that his team is considered an outsider cannot diminish Terzic’s confidence: “I don’t care whether we are the outsiders or the favorites. Maybe we’ll be the hungriest team in the semifinals.”
“Will be two close games”
However, the BVB coach referred to the French’s current good form and their mission: “They are at their peak this season and only had one defeat in 2024. “In addition, they have had the clear project of winning the Champions League for ten years.”
With all due respect, Terzic hopes that his team can build on the strong performances they have shown so far in the premier class: “We have to stick to ourselves and have confidence in our strengths. Then we will devise a plan that can hurt them. They will be two close games and the good thing is, you can win them.”
A success on Wednesday could also make a significant contribution to the Bundesliga securing fifth place in the premier class for the coming season. If the German semi-final participants from Dortmund, Munich (both Champions League) and Leverkusen (Europa League) had two more victories in the current competition, the last doubts about second place in the UEFA annual rankings would also be dispelled. The biggest beneficiary in this case could be BVB.
A lot will depend on how the Dortmund defense brings PSG star Mbappé under control. “He is perhaps the best footballer in the world at the moment. It will be difficult against him alone. We have to double down and do it as a team,” demanded captain Emre Can.