Dortmund's Impossible Mission to Silence Mbappe
Dortmund's defensive wall and "yellow wall" will be the key to the impossible mission to silence Kylian Mbappe.
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Borussia Dortmund player, Marcel Sabitzer (right), scored the fourth goal in the second quarter-finals match of the Champions League between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at the Signal Iduna Park Stadium, Dortmund, early Wednesday morning WIB (West Indonesian Time). Dortmund will meet with Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-finals match, early Thursday morning WIB.
DORTMUND, TUESDAY — Semifinals Champions League will reunite two teams that were able to survive the hell group, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. Dortmund may have finished higher in the group stage, but PSG is superior due to their match of styles, the presence of Kylian Mbappe and history.
It is understandable that Dortmund and PSG have advanced far. They have been tested in the fiery Group F alongside AC Milan and Newcastle United. Dortmund came out on top of the standings, followed by PSG. Their mental resilience was demonstrated when they both came back after initially falling behind in the first quarterfinal match.
Also read: Champions League Trophy, Mbappe's Dream Farewell Gift
The two teams will meet again to compete for a ticket to Wembley Stadium. Dortmund will host PSG first at Signal Iduna Park Stadium, Thursday (2/5/2024) early morning WIB. The last time they visited the haunted stadium was in December 2023, where PSG successfully stole point with a 1-1 draw.
Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt emphasized that they would not be as generous as previous meetings. “The home game will be different. At that time, we played for a draw because it was enough to top the group. "It will be a life and death match in the semifinals," said the versatile player.
The celebration of Borussia Dortmund's player, Marcel Sabitzer (middle), in the second match of the quarter-finals of the Champions League between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park Stadium, Dortmund, on Wednesday (17/4/2024) dawn local time. Dortmund will meet Paris Saint-Germain in the first match of the semifinals on Thursday (2/5/2024) dawn local time.
However, a big question mark is already waiting for Dortmund. How will they neutralize PSG striker Kylian Mbappe who is currently on fire? Mbappe is the most productive player in this season's Champions League with 8 goals. That number has already matched his best achievement in the 2020-2021 season.
Looking at our history and current squad, we are the favorites (in the semi-finals). This team is much more mature compared to last season (when we were stopped in the round of 16).
The megastar of the French national team only needs two more goals to complete a record of 50 goals in the Champions League. Only eight players have ever achieved this record. He managed to score a pair of consecutive goals in the last two away matches of the tournament, against Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
Also read: PSG's Confidence Results in Smiles in Barcelona
PSG coach Luis Enrique will again support Mbappe. The player was only limited to appearing for 45 minutes versus Le Havre last weekend. ”He is a leader. "When the whole team realizes that an important player like him is willing to give everything, you will be closer to success," said Enrique.
The problem is, Dortmund's defense is not that good. They have only conceded 9 goals in 10 matches thanks to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and a lot of luck. According to FBref data, they recorded 17.7 xGA (expected goals against). They have the potential to concede almost twice as many goals as they currently concede.
PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe celebrated his first goal against Barcelona by directing towards the PSG supporters' section at the quarterfinal match of Champions League on Wednesday (17/4/2024) at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. Borussia Dortmund will face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semifinals on Thursday (2/5/2024) early morning WIB.
The amount of xGA from the team coached by Edin Terzig is the highest among all participants. Imagine, if they allow many opportunities to fall into Mbappe's feet again, Dortmund's hope may be dashed before the second match at PSG's home base. Meanwhile, PSG has scored 10 goals in their last four knockout matches.
Therefore, the Dortmund defensive wall led by veteran defender Matt Hummels will be the key. They can no longer make blunders in their own half of the pitch, as happened twice against Atletico Madrid in the first quarter-final match. Atletico failed to advance due to inefficiency in front of the goal.
Also read: Enjoy the Noise ”Yellow Wall” Dortmund
Next is the famous "yellow wall" of Dortmund. Tens of thousands of spectators in the south stand will be a distinguishing factor. At home, Dortmund has only lost once in eight matches in the semi-finals of European competitions. The last time they played at home in the semi-finals in 2013, they successfully advanced to the final at Wembley.
"I believe both teams can create something great. However, I like our chances in the upcoming match. The foundation (for qualifying) will be in the first match. It will depend on small details, as always happens in the semifinals. So, we have to make sure not to repeat the mistakes against Atletico," said Brandt.
Kylian Mbappe, PSG's striker, fired a shot that became his second goal against Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Wednesday (17/4/2024) at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Brandt is absolutely right, a victory at home would be crucial. History is not on their side if they have to aim for a victory at PSG's home, Parc des Princes Stadium. The last time they visited, Dortmund lost 0-2 in the group stage in September last year. They ended the match with one accurate shot.
PSG comes with confidence on cloud nine. They have just secured the title of champion of the French League last weekend. Two weeks before, Mbappe and his teammates also made a miracle by eliminating Barcelona at Camp Nou Stadium. Current achievements have answered doubts at the beginning of the season.
Also read: Eliminate Atletico, Dortmund Ready to "Rematch" Against PSG in the Champions League Semifinals
"We are heading towards the final phase of this season with a very good performance trend. All of our players are also available. Looking at the history and the current squad, we are the favorite (in the semi-finals). This team is much more mature compared to last season (when we stopped in the round of 16)," said Enrique.
Motivation is getting bigger because the PSG squad wants to present a special gift to Mbappe at the end of the season. The superstar will most likely join Real Madrid next season. PSG can still achieve treble winners. They have entered the French Cup final.
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe led his teammates in celebrating their victory over Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with PSG supporters on Wednesday (17/4/2024) CET at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
”Certainly, we have talked about this (prize) recently. It is a source of motivation for us. However, of course there is still a long and winding journey to achieve that (treble). "We now just have to focus on every game until the end of the season," said Enrique.
In terms of playing style, PSG, which relies on a 4-2-3-1 formation, also benefits. They can play in the dominant possession-based style characteristic of Enrique. As known, PSG is the second team with the highest average possession (64.5 percent) after City, far above Dortmund (47.5 percent). (AP/AFP)
