The initial match of the UEFA Champions League semi-final takes place at Signal Iduna Park this Thursday. Here’s a preview and prediction for the Borussia Dortmund vs PSG encounter.
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Dortmund vs PSG: Match Preview
Paris Saint-Germain clinched their 12th Ligue 1 title on Sunday, yet the UEFA Champions League remains their ultimate goal under Qatar Sports Investment. As favorites entering their semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund, PSG seek a return to the final, a feat last achieved in 2020. Nonetheless, facing Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park poses its challenges, a fact acknowledged by the Parisians themselves.
Despite missing an opportunity to secure their third consecutive domestic title with a win on Saturday, PSG salvaged a draw against Le Havre with late goals from Achraf Hakimi and Gonçalo Ramos. Their triumph was sealed as closest rivals Monaco stumbled to a defeat against Lyon on Sunday.
With Wednesday’s fixture in mind, manager Luis Enrique limited Kylian Mbappé to 45 minutes off the bench on Saturday. The prolific forward, boasting eight goals in this season’s Champions League, aims to add to his tally and reach the coveted 50-goal mark, a feat accomplished by only eight other players. Mbappé’s recent performances, including braces in his last two away games against Real Sociedad and Barcelona, underscore his significance to PSG’s campaign.
PSG’s quarter-final victory over Barcelona, highlighted by Mbappé’s heroics, showcased their resilience and attacking prowess. Presnel Kimpembe’s absence is the only notable setback for PSG ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, with Fabián Ruiz expected to return to the lineup.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s aspirations for a Champions League spot next season hinge on Germany’s performance, as they currently sit outside the Bundesliga’s top four. Despite a disappointing 4-1 defeat to RB Leipzig on Saturday, Dortmund’s hopes remain alive, fueled by standout performances from Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer.
Sancho’s goal against Leipzig demonstrated his attacking threat, while Sabitzer’s contributions, including five assists in this season’s Champions League, bolster Dortmund’s midfield. However, Dortmund’s defensive solidity, evident in their ability to concede fewer goals than expected, will face a stern test against PSG’s potent attack.
Key defender Mats Hummels’ availability is crucial for Dortmund, who may miss striker Sébastien Haller due to injury. As they aim to capitalize on their semi-final opportunity, Dortmund must navigate past PSG’s formidable challenge to keep their European dreams alive.
Dortmund vs PSG: Head-to-head
The last encounter between these two teams ended in a 1-1 draw during the final matchday of this season’s group stage in December. Warren Zaïre-Emery’s goal canceled out Karim Adeyemi’s opener, ensuring PSG’s progression alongside already-qualified Dortmund into the last 16.
In their earlier meeting three months prior, PSG secured a 2-0 victory at the Parc des Princes in their Group F opener, with goals from Mbappé and Hakimi.
Remarkably, this season marks the first time in the Champions League campaign that two teams have faced each other both in the group stage and the semi-finals since 2012-13, when Dortmund clashed with Real Madrid and emerged victorious, eliminating them in the last four.
Could this historical precedent bode well for Wednesday’s hosts? Despite Dortmund’s overall poor record against PSG, managing only one win in their last six encounters across all competitions (alongside three draws and two losses), they did secure a notable victory with a 2-1 score-line in the first leg of a Champions League last-16 tie in 2019-20. However, PSG rallied to eliminate Dortmund 3-2 on aggregate.
Dortmund vs PSG: Recent Form
Borussia Dortmund’s form has been inconsistent in recent matches, with only two wins in their last six games across all competitions, accompanied by one draw and three losses. This streak follows a run of six consecutive wins in March, highlighted by a memorable 2-0 victory against Bayern Munich.
On the other hand, PSG has been formidable, losing just one of their last 32 matches in all competitions, comprising 22 wins and nine draws. However, their solitary defeat occurred in the first leg of their recent Champions League encounter with Barcelona.
Notably, this will mark PSG’s fourth appearance in the Champions League semi-finals. In their previous two-legged ties at this stage, they suffered defeats against Milan in 1994-95 and Manchester City in 2020-21. However, they secured a victory against Leipzig in a one-legged affair in 2019-20.
Dortmund is gearing up for their fourth Champions League semi-final appearance, having been eliminated at this stage only once, by Madrid in 1997-98.
Their previous semi-final appearances resulted in reaching the final in 1996-97 and 2012-13. They clinched the trophy in 1997 and finished as runners-up in 2013.
For the upcoming first leg, Dortmund will aim to capitalize on home advantage. They have been formidable at the Westfalenstadion, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 Champions League games (with six wins and four draws), marking their longest undefeated streak in the competition.
Dortmund vs PSG: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Dortmund: Team News
Borussia Dortmund has received positive injury updates ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s visit for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg. Mats Hummels, who picked up a knock during the weekend defeat against RB Leipzig, is expected to be available for selection.
Donyell Malen, sidelined for three games due to a knee injury, has returned to training and is in contention for the first leg. Additionally, Marcel Sabitzer, who has recovered from illness, is also in consideration.
Sebastien Haller and Ramy Bensebaini remain sidelined, but Dortmund will welcome back Emre Can and Ian Maatsen following their domestic suspensions.
Dortmund Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Felix Passlack, Mats Hummels, Niklas Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen
- Midfielders: Marcel Sabitzer, Julian Brandt, Emre Can (C)
- Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug
Injuries: Haller, Bensebaini
PSG: Team News
After securing the Ligue 1 title over the weekend, PSG can now focus on their Champions League campaign. Key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Lucas Hernandez, and Gianluigi Donnarumma were rested during the 3-3 draw with Le Havre but are expected to return to the starting lineup for this crucial fixture.
Despite his impactful late equalizer, Goncalo Ramos is likely to remain on the bench. Presnel Kimpembe and Layvin Kurzawa have not traveled with the squad to Dortmund, while Sergio Rico remains sidelined.
PSG Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (C), Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha
- Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Barcola
Injuries: Rico, Kimpembe, Kurzawa
Dortmund vs PSG: Match Prediction
In what promises to be an electrifying encounter, PSG’s away form in the group stage may raise doubts, but their recent performances against Real Sociedad and Barcelona in Spain showcase their ability to excel on foreign soil. Dortmund will undoubtedly aim to secure a lead to take to France, yet PSG’s formidable attacking prowess suggests they have the potential to seize control of this tie.
Final Score Prediction: PSG 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund vs PSG: UCL Squads For The Semi-finals
Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League Squad
- Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Alexander Meyer, Silas Ostrzinski, Marcel Lotka
- Defenders: Nico Schlotterbeck, Ramy Bensebaini, Mats Hummels, Emre Can, Niklas Süle, Julian Ryerson, Ian Maatsen, Lion Semic, Özcan
- Midfielders: Jadon Sancho, Felix Nmecha, Marco Reus, Julien Duranville, Marius Wolf, Julian Brandt, Marcel Sabitzer
- Forwards: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Sebastien Haller, Niclas Füllkrug, Youssoufa Moukoko, Donyell Malen, Karim Adeyemi
Head Coach: Edin Terzić
Paris Saint-Germain UEFA Champions League Squad
- Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Alexandre Letellier, Arnau Tenas, Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Lucas Hernández, Nuno Mendes, Nordi Mukiele, Lucas Beraldo, Milan Skriniar
- Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Fabián Ruiz, Danilo, Vitinha, Lee Kang-in, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ethan Mbappé
- Forwards: Senny Mayulu, Kylian Mbappé, Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Asensio, Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola
Head Coach: Luis Enrique
