For the second time in this season’s Champions League, PSG has found itself in a difficult position after losing the first match. In the quarter-finals, Parisians were defeated at home by Barcelona (2-3), but they secured a convincing revenge with a 4-1 victory away, taking advantage of an early red card for their opponents. This time the situation is slightly easier, considering they will be playing at home. It’s worth noting that PSG has only lost twice in their last 13 Champions League matches at home. This includes a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of this tournament. A week ago in Dortmund, Luis Enrique’s team lost 0-1. For the first time in this tournament, PSG failed to score. However, it’s important to mention that there were chances, with the crossbar denying Dortmund twice. The head coach emphasized the importance of their key players having more ball possession ahead of the return leg. In Ligue 1, PSG clinched the title early, which came as no surprise. The team had a week off to rest and prepare for the return leg of the Champions League. Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez will miss today’s game due to injury.
Initially, Borussia was not considered a contender for a deep run in the playoffs. However, the German team has performed remarkably well and is close to reaching the Champions League final for the first time since the 2012/13 season. In the playoffs, Dortmund progressed past PSV and Atletico. The key factor then was their home matches, where they managed to secure victories. This time, at home, the Yellow and Blacks have given themselves a minimal advantage thanks to Niklas Fullkrug’s goal. It will be difficult to maintain such a fragile lead away from home. Statistically, in five out of the seven previous away matches in the Champions League, Borussia has failed to win. This includes a loss in this season’s group stage against PSG with a score of 0-2, where they managed only one shot on target throughout the match. In the Bundesliga, Edin Terzic’s team is currently in fifth position, which is the lowest they can finish. It’s worth noting that this position in Germany grants entry to the Champions League for the next season. In the last matchday, Borussia secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Augsburg at home. The only notable absence due to injury is Rami Bensebaini.
