Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Borussia Dortmund are set to clash in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final on May 7, 2024.
After a narrow 1-0 victory for Dortmund in the first leg at Signal Iduna Park, the battle at Parc des Princes promises to be an intense encounter.
Match Preview
In the first leg, PSG paid dearly for their missed opportunities as former Dortmund attacker Ousmane Dembélé endured a frustrating night against his old club.
Dortmund's talisman Niclas Füllkrug scored the decisive goal, brilliantly controlling Nico Schlotterbeck’s pass before firing a fierce shot past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite Dortmund's defensive prowess, PSG remains optimistic after overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Form Guide
Paris Saint-Germain
Champions League form: DWWLWL
Overall form: LWWWDL
PSG, plagued by defensive woes, haven't managed a clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions.
However, they've been relentless in attack at Parc des Princes, scoring in their last 24 home games.
Borussia Dortmund
Champions League form: DDWLWW
Overall form: WWDLWW
Dortmund's defence, which secured its fifth clean sheet of this Champions League campaign last week, will aim to contain PSG's potent attack.
Team News
PSG will miss Lucas Hernandez due to an ACL injury sustained in the first leg.
Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Layvin Kurzawa (back), and Sergio Rico (head) are also unavailable. Lucas Beraldo is expected to replace Hernandez in the backline.
Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, Sebastien Haller, and Ramy Bensebaini are expected to recover from minor injuries.
However, Karim Adeyemi, who picked up a knock at the weekend, remains doubtful. Jadon Sancho is likely to start after impressing in the first leg with 12 successful dribbles.
Predicted Lineups
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi; Fullkrug
Prediction
Expect PSG to come out swinging after a domestic rest, but Dortmund's formidable defence will be tough to crack.
Extra time may be required to decide this tie. Ultimately, PSG's home advantage could prove decisive, with our prediction being PSG 2-1 Dortmund, leading to a 2-2 aggregate scoreline and PSG potentially advancing on penalties.
FAQ
What was the result of the first leg between PSG and Dortmund? Borussia Dortmund won the first leg 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park.
When and where is the second leg being played? The second leg is scheduled for May 7, 2024, at Parc des Princes, Paris.
Who are the key players to watch in this match? For PSG: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha. For Dortmund: Niclas Füllkrug, Jadon Sancho, and Julian Brandt.
What is the current injury status of both teams? PSG: Lucas Hernandez (ACL), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Layvin Kurzawa (back), and Sergio Rico (head) are out. Dortmund: Julian Ryerson, Sebastien Haller, and Ramy Bensebaini are expected to recover, while Karim Adeyemi remains doubtful.
What are the predicted lineups for both teams? PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe. Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi; Fullkrug.
What is the prediction for the second leg? PSG 2-1 Dortmund (2-2 on aggregate a.e.t - PSG to win on penalties).
