May 2, (THEWILL) – Borussia Dortmund claimed a slender advantage in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, prevailing 1-0 in an engrossing encounter at Signal Iduna Park, on Wednesday night.
Niclas Fullkrug’s clinical 36th-minute strike proved the difference, as the German international finished off a sublime pass from Nico Schlotterbeck to open the scoring. The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead, with Marcel Sabitzer and Jadon Sancho going close, but PSG rallied after the break.
Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi were denied by the woodwork, while Fabian Ruiz squandered a gilt-edged chance from close range as the visitors pressed for an equaliser. However, Dortmund held firm to claim a narrow first-leg advantage.
Despite the visitors dominating possession, Dortmund carried the greater threat in the opening period. Sabitzer tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early on before Fullkrug broke the deadlock with a composed finish after Schlotterbeck’s perfectly weighted through ball.
PSG roared back after the interval and came agonisingly close to restoring parity through Mbappe’s curling effort and Hakimi’s header, but Dortmund weathered the storm to deliver a resolute defensive display.
The decisive second leg will take place at the Parc des Princes next Wednesday, with the winners advancing to the UCL final in Istanbul on June 5.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
