“We are absolutely gutted with the result tonight. It’s a real shame because we felt we had the quality and the game plan to get a win against Borussia. When you reflect on the game, it’s clear that we had the lion’s share of possession and managed to control large periods of the game. However, we just couldn’t capitalise on our dominance and we ultimately paid the price. The manager had really impressed on us the importance of being disciplined in our defensive shape and following Borussia’s long balls over the top. We knew they would try to hit us on the counter and use their physical presence to cause us problems. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we just couldn’t execute the game plan to perfection. There were a few lapses in concentration and a few individual errors that ultimately proved crucial.
It's particularly frustrating because I felt we created some really good chances, especially in the second half, to score that all-important away goal. On another day, those chances might have come. But thanks to Borussia, they defended resolutely and were clinical when it mattered most. That's the difference at this level: you have to take your chances when they come. Ultimately, we have to hold our hands up and admit that Borussia deserved the win that night. They showed great organisation, work rate and tactical discipline to nullify our attacking threats. Sometimes you have to acknowledge that the opponent outplayed you.
That said, the tie is far from over. We know we are more than capable of turning the game around at home. Playing in front of our own fans, in our own stadium, will give us a huge boost. The atmosphere will be electric and we will have that extra motivation to go out and right the wrongs of the first leg. The coach has already worked on the tactical adjustments we need to make to ensure we are better equipped to deal with Borussia's counter-attacking threat. We have studied the videos, analysed the data and identified the areas we need to improve. I am confident that with a few subtle changes we can nullify their strengths and exploit our own advantages.
Furthermore, we have shown throughout this Champions League campaign that we are a team with immense character and resilience. We have overcome setbacks before and we will do so again. This group of players have the quality, determination and winning mentality to overturn the deficit from the first leg. So, while we are undoubtedly disappointed tonight, we are far from defeated. We will regroup, refresh and go into the second leg with renewed vigour and belief. I have no doubt that with our fans behind us, we can produce a performance that turns this tie around. It will take a huge effort, but we are more than up for the challenge. Look forward to the second leg, we can't wait to put things right."
As a reminder, the return leg between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled for May 7. The match will take place at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France. After the disappointing result in the first leg, PSG players and staff will be keen to put things right at home. The Parc des Princes has been a fortress for the French champions this season, and they will be counting on their passionate fans to back them as they look to overturn the deficit from the first leg. Dortmund will no doubt travel to the French capital full of confidence, knowing they have the upper hand after their victory in Germany. However, they will also be wary of PSG’s quality and firepower, especially when playing in front of their own fans.
This second leg has all the makings of a cracking encounter. Both teams will be doing everything they can to book their place in the Champions League final, and with so much at stake, we can surely expect plenty of drama, tension and high-quality football. PSG will be determined to make up for their shortcomings from the first leg and prove that they have what it takes to overcome a formidable opponent like Dortmund. The home crowd will undoubtedly play a major role in spurring them on and creating an electric atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes. Everything is to play for in this intriguing Champions League semi-final second leg. Neutral fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting what is sure to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with genuine ambitions of European glory this season.
For PSG, the focus will be on strengthening defensively and not getting caught out on the counterattack again. In the first leg, their high-pressure approach left them vulnerable at times, and Dortmund were able to exploit the spaces behind. Coach Thomas Tuchel will no doubt have spent the last two weeks analysing where they went wrong and developing a more robust game plan to nullify Dortmund's threat. At the same time, PSG will be looking to be more clinical in front of goal. They had their chances in the first leg but failed to capitalise on them, which ultimately proved costly. With Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi in their ranks, they have one of the most fearsome attacking formations in world football.
If they can get those star players firing on all cylinders, they will be keen to break down Dortmund’s defence. The home crowd will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in lifting PSG’s players and intimidating their opponents. The Parc des Princes has a reputation as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Europe, and the PSG faithful will be sure to make their voices heard from the first whistle to the last. They will be desperate to see their team avenge their first-leg defeat and keep their Champions League dream alive.
