Borussia Dortmund secured their spot in the Champions League semi-finals after orchestrating a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate, marking their first semi-final appearance in 11 years.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund swiftly reversed the situation with Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen finding the net from challenging angles in the initial half.
However, Atletico Madrid equalized 2-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate as Mario Hermoso’s header ricocheted off Dortmund defender Mats Hummels shortly after the restart. Angel Correa’s close-range finish then handed Atletico a 4-3 aggregate lead in the 64th minute.
Yet, Dortmund responded once more in an enthralling second half, with Niclas Fullkrug nodding in Marcel Sabitzer’s cross to level the score after 71 minutes. Sabitzer then sealed Dortmund’s triumph with a well-placed strike into the bottom corner, concluding an outstanding quarter-final tie and setting up a clash against Paris St-Germain in the semi-finals.
Maatsen’s Remarkable Journey
Reflecting on his crucial goal, Dortmund defender Maatsen expressed his elation, describing it as a childhood dream come true. Having extended his contract with parent club Chelsea in January before joining Dortmund on loan, the 22-year-old emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity.
Dortmund Ends 11-Year Drought
Dortmund’s advancement to the semi-finals marks their first appearance at this stage since their runner-up finish in the 2012-13 season. Their accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering their 2-0 deficit in the first leg and their resurgence after halftime in the second leg. Atletico Madrid’s failure to reach the final four for the seventh consecutive year underscores Dortmund’s impressive performance.
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— Jovy (@Officialjovy7) April 17, 2024
