Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious in a tense first-leg clash against Paris St-Germain in the Champions League semi-final, thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s brilliant first-half winner.
Fullkrug showcased his skill and composure by expertly controlling a long ball with his right foot before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot to give Dortmund the lead in the 36th minute.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, PSG struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Dortmund remained dangerous on the counterattack.
PSG’s best opportunity to equalize came in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe hitting the inside of the post with a curling effort, and Achraf Hakimi also striking the woodwork shortly after.
Dortmund had chances to extend their lead, with Fullkrug missing a golden opportunity to score his second goal of the night after a superb run from Jadon Sancho.
Although PSG pushed for an equalizer, Dortmund’s resolute defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear opportunities to score.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, was instrumental in Dortmund’s victory, tormenting the PSG defense with his pace and skill throughout the match.
His standout performance highlighted his resurgence since returning to Dortmund, leaving PSG left-back Nuno Mendes struggling to contain him.
Sancho’s impressive display served as a reminder of his talent and potential, vindicating his decision to return to Dortmund in search of regular playing time.