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Dortmund vs. PSG: Champions League Showdown
- Updated: December 13, 2023
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Borussia Dortmund faces Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial UEFA Champions League clash, with Dortmund already securing progression but aiming to secure top spot in Group F. The ‘Group of Death’ has seen intense competition, and Dortmund’s journey has been impressive, bouncing back after an initial loss to PSG with undefeated performances in the next four matches, including victories against Newcastle and AC Milan.
Despite their European success, Dortmund has faced challenges domestically, recently being eliminated from the DFB Cup by Stuttgart and suffering a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig. Mats Hummels received a red card in the Leipzig game, but fortunately for Dortmund, the suspension doesn’t extend to the Champions League. Thomas Meunier, who made a Bundesliga start after a year in the Leipzig match, is not in the Champions League squad. Niklas Süle is expected to take the right-back position against PSG, particularly if Marius Wolf hasn’t fully recovered.
PSG, on the other hand, needs a win to secure their spot in the knockout stage. The team has been in excellent form in Ligue 1, winning eight consecutive games to top the table. However, their away defeats to Newcastle and Milan in the Champions League highlight vulnerabilities. Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s goalkeeper, has a domestic suspension, but it doesn’t apply to this crucial European encounter. The presence of flying right-back Achraf Hakimi, a former BVB player, adds an intriguing element to the match.
In terms of statistics, Dortmund’s Niclas Füllkrug, who made his Champions League debut in the reverse fixture, has six goals and four assists in all competitions this season. Julian Brandt is a key attacking threat with six goals and as many assists in the current campaign. Marco Reus holds the record as Dortmund’s top scorer in the Champions League with 23 goals. Dortmund’s defense, alongside Arsenal and Barcelona, has been solid, conceding only three goals in their first five group matches.
PSG has history against Dortmund, losing 2-1 in the 2019/20 round of 16. Their record in Germany is mixed, with six defeats in 13 UEFA competition visits (W5, D1). Randal Kolo Muani, PSG’s summer signing, had an impressive Bundesliga season with Eintracht Frankfurt, recording 26 goal involvements.
Probable lineups for the match include:
Dortmund:
- Kobel (c)
- Süle, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini
- Özcan, Sabitzer
- Reus, Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens
- Füllkrug
Out: Can (suspended), Duranville (thigh), Meunier (ineligible), Moukoko (thigh), Nmecha (hip), Ryerson (knee)
Coach: Edin Terzić
PSG:
- Donnarumma
- Hakimi, Danilo (c), Škriniar, Hernández
- Zaïre-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha
- Asensio, Ramos, Mbappé
Out: Dembélé (suspended), Kimpembe (Achilles), Mendes (hamstring), Navas (back), Rico (head injury), Fabián (shoulder)
Doubtful: Letellier (groin)
Coach: Luis Enrique
As the teams gear up for this crucial clash, all eyes will be on Signal Iduna Park to witness the battle for top spot in Group F and the determination to secure a place in the knockout stage.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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