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Black and yellow magic: BVB storms into the semi-finals
Niclas Füllkrug and Marcel Sabitzer become heroes. Even a “German final” like 2013 is possible.
In the semi-finals: Ian Maatsen and Mats Hummels
© AFP/SID/INA FASSBENDER
In a magical black and yellow night, Borussia Dortmund has conjured itself back into the aristocracy of European football – now the dream of another final at Wembley is coming to fruition. With the power of the yellow wall, BVB irresistibly defeated Atletico Madrid 4-2 (2-0) on Tuesday and, in a rollercoaster drama, reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2013. There it is against Paris St. Germain.
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The outstanding Julian Brandt (34th) set the sold-out stadium on fire with his opening goal, and the mood of the 81,365 spectators boiled over at the latest when Ian Maatsen (39th) made it 2-0. In complete contrast to the 1:2 in the first leg last Wednesday, BVB were present and dominant from the first minute, but had to accept a dampener in the mood with an own goal from Mats Hummels (49th). Angel Correa even managed to equalize (64′).
Niclas Füllkrug (71st) and Marcel Sabitzer (74th) became celebrated European Cup heroes. This even makes it possible for a repeat of the “German final” in London in 2013 against Bayern Munich – BVB lost 2-1.
The magic of the dreaded south stand should take BVB one step further. “I know what this stadium can do for the team. We’ve had some magical nights here,” said sports director Sebastian Kehl before kick-off on Prime Video. Coach Edin Terzic called for “heroes in black and yellow”.
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It was clear that Donyell Malen would not be one of them: the Dutch winger was injured again. This gave Karim Adeyemi another chance despite his unnecessary yellow-red card in the league against Borussia Mönchengladbach (2-1). Füllkrug stormed in the absence of the injured Sebastien Haller. Atletico’s first-leg goalscorer Samuel Lino was missing due to a suspension.
The game started turbulently in a thrilling atmosphere – and with two huge chances. After a counterattack, Marcel Sabitzer took the ball five meters in front of the Atletico goal instead of pushing it in, which meant it was deflected (3′). On the other side, Alvaro Morata ran towards the BVB goal from the halfway line, but lobbed the ball just wide (5th).
As a result, both teams realized the danger they were exposing themselves to and withdrew for a few minutes. However, BVB continued to assert themselves well from the outside and pushed for the lead via Julian Brandt (16th) and Adeyemi (17th). Atletico, unusual in blue and white, always became dangerous when BVB built up imprecisely.
The opening goal, before which Brandt fooled former BVB professional Axel Witsel, was still absolutely deserved. Maatsen’s low shot from the left left the fans dreaming, Atletico seemed shocked – the angry coach Diego Simeone punished his players with a triple substitution.
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Things continued to be extremely bitter for Dortmund when Hummels directed a header from Mario Hermoso with his foot into his own goal. Gregor Kobel was powerless, BVB faltered, the guests played like they were on guard: Correa pushed the ball (still) just wide of the goal (57th). After a brilliant Kobel parade, he did better a little later.
BVB shook themselves and played spectacularly forward. Füllkrug ended his goal drought with a perfect header to the inside post, Sabitzer followed up with a well-placed left-footed shot – ecstasy broke out in the stadium.
For BVB it continues in the full wash cycle. On Sunday, the new German champions Bayer Leverkusen will introduce themselves in Dortmund, followed by the “final” for renewed participation in the premier class with table neighbors RB Leipzig.