Borussia Dortmund vs PSG final score, result, stats as Fullkrug strikes and Sancho shines to give BVB edge

Dom Farrell

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Borussia Dortmund vs PSG final score, result, stats as Fullkrug strikes and Sancho shines to give BVB edge image

Niclas Fullkrug's superb goal gave Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain.

Luis Enrique's side conceded the first goal in both legs of their quarterfinal triumph over Barcelona and had to try to come from behind once again at a raucous Signal Iduna Park.

The breakthrough came after the half-hour when Germany striker Fullkrug brought down Nico Schlotterbeck's raking pass with his right foot and fired a blistering shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma with his left.

PSG were indebted to Donnarumma for a superb save before the break when he denied Marcel Sabitzer from Fullkrug's cute lay-off.

The visitors enjoyed their most convincing spell immediately after halftime when Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi hit either post on the same attack. Fabian Ruiz then hideously misjudged a header from six yards on the end of a brilliant Marquinhos cross.

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG final score

  Fulltime Goalscorers
Dortmund 1 Fullkrug 36'
PSG 0  

Starting lineups:

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Gregor Kobel (GK) — 26, Julian Ryerson (17. Marius Wolf), 15. Mats Hummels, 4. Nico Schlotterbeck, 22. Ian Maatsen — 20. Marcel Sabitzer, 23. Emre Can — 27. Karim Adeyemi (11. Marco Reus), 19. Julian Brandt (8. Felix Nmecha), 10. Jadon Sancho — 14. Niclas Fullkrug (18. Youssoufa Moukoko).

PSG (4-3-3, right to left): 99. Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) — 2. Achraf Hakimi, 5. Marquinhos, 21. Lucas Hernandez (35. Lucas Beraldo), 25. Nuno Mendes — 33. Warren Zaire-Emery, 17. Vitinha, 8. Fabian Ruiz — 10. Ousmane Dembele, 7. Kylian Mbappe, 29. Bradley Barcola (23. Randal Kolo Muani).

MORE: How Bayern vs. Real Madrid played out in the Champions League semifinal

Yet Dortmund showed no inclination to simply hang onto their lead and fired back with interest. Fullkrug volleyed over a far simpler chance than the one he put away after Jadon Sancho tormented the beleaguered Nuno Mendes.

The teams went blow for blow until the end, with Gregor Kobel denying Ousmane Dembele at close quarters before the former Dortmund winger fired over. At the other end, PSG were unpicked by Sancho and indebted to skipper Marquinhos for a heroic block on Julian Brandt. 

All of those near misses could weigh heavily in six days' time in Paris. For now, the one Fullkrug finished with aplomb is the difference.

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG stats

Dortmund Stat PSG
13 Shots 14
4 Shots on target 3
1.42 Expected goals 1.58
42% Possession 58%
426 Passes 582
4 Corners 3
11 Fouls 6
2 Yellow cards 1
1 Offsides 2

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG analysis

Sancho revels in redemption story

On TNT Sports' broadcast in the UK, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand pulled out an astonishing halftime statistic. During the opening 45 minutes, Sancho had completed seven dribbles — more than he managed in any of his 58 Premier League appearances for the Old Trafford club. Unfortunately for the over-worked Mendes, Sancho wasn't done and the England winger went through the gears after halftime.

England and Manchester United already feel like ghosts of Sancho's past despite the fact he's 24 and they remain his parent club. Much of the post-match analysis of the winger's effervescent display was shot through a United lens but sometimes it's just as simple as a player feeling comfortable in their surroundings.

And also, comfortable within their structure. Sancho had the tireless Julian Ryerson behind him at right-back, Julian Brandt pulling the strings at No. 10 and a centre-forward who was always available. When did he ever have all those elements all at once at United? By the same token, how often did United enjoy Sancho showing this level of application? There is, no doubt, responsibility on both sides, as is the case now for Dortmund and their prodigal son at this moment of potential rebirth.

Fullkrug turns up the volume of the Yellow Wall

The trope that big, hulking centre-forwards are a thing of the past is somewhat blown apart by the fact a huge blonde Norwegian rammed home more than 50 goals in a treble-winning campaign last season. But the way elite teams use their attackers has changed. Luis Enrique opted to keep Goncalo Ramos in reserve as he opted for a front three packed with movement and ingenuity. Even though PSG were perhaps slightly unfortunate to lose in the final analysis, it left them toothless during the first half. Randal Kolo Muani coming on ahead of Portugal striker Ramos felt like an outright odd call.

Cutting a contrast, Fullkrug produced a superb demonstration of the art of traditional centre-forward play. The goal was the crowning moment, but there were also lovely touches, clever link-up play and brutal aggression in the air. When you've set up in the knowledge that your opponents will have the majority of the ball, seeing a striker like Fullkrug lead from the front as he did is invaluable to morale. It meant Sancho and Karim Adeyemi had every reason to keep going and going down the flanks all night. They'll need to rest up and produce something even bigger next week.

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG live updates, highlights, and commentary

Fulltime

Dortmund claim a slender advantage to take to Paris next week. That could have been worse for PSG, even through they spurned a handful of glorious chances after halftime themselves, and Luis Enrique probably won't be too concerned regarding the overall state of the tie. Fullkrug's winner was fabulous, worthy of winning an excellent game. We go again in six days. Thanks for joining us.

90th minute: Moukoko comes on for the talismanic Fullkrug. The next number on the board is "4" for injury time.

87th minute: It's not as if PSG have a Duncan Ferguson figure but they'd probably rather good headed chances stopped falling to Ruiz because he's just missed another one.

85th minute: Sancho slots a lovely pass into Brandt's path. He takes a touch when he perhaps didn't need to and Marquinhos makes a brilliant block. Cross from the second ball and Reus gets in Fullkrug's way.

83rd minute: PSG come again, Mbappe orchestrating things. Vitinha fires goalwards from the edge of the box and a sprawling Hummels does enough to distract him.

81st minute: Adeyemi lets Hakimi go. A chance at revenge for the PSG fullback? It should be, he cuts back to Dembele who wastefully fires over.

75th minute: Sancho twists one way and another. Mendes, who looks like he's carrying an injury, is having a desperate time. He at least manages to get a leg in the way of the shot and the deflection falls kindly for Donnarumma.

72nd minute: Excellent save from Kobel! Mbappe dinks one to Dembele, wonderful skill. Kobel gets to to a bouncing ball with his outstretched left hand.

66th minute: Kolo Muani is on for Barcola. But PSG's defence need to tighten up. Fullkrug again, this time powering over from a free-kick that was delivered beautifully by Maatsen.

63rd minute: Suddenly PSG are living on their wits. Hakimi busts a gut to get back to Adeyemi. Now Brandt crosses towards Fullkrug. That looks like a push! No penalty.

60th minute: Should be 2-0 to Dortmund! Sancho takes Mendes to the cleaners and his low cross finds Fullkrug on the edge of the six-yard box. The first-half hero volleys over into the expectant Yellow Wall.

59th minute: Brandt hangs one up deep for Hummels. He nods back towards Can who can't quite touch it to Sabitzer. Oh, here's Brandt...wide! Smashed past the post from the edge of the box after more fabulous centre-forward play from Fullkrug.

58th minute: A gorgeous bit of play from Sancho. Fullkrug advances and his shot is deflected behind for a corner. 

56th minute: Dear, oh dear Fabian Ruiz! Marquinhos joins the attack and whips in a devilish cross from deep. It evades Hummels, who perhaps leaves Ruiz unsighted. However, the header wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy is a shocker.

54th minute: Mbappe finding some joy now, pulling out to that Thierry Henry territory slightly out to the right. He shoots, too close to Kobel.

52nd minute: Ruiz decides it's not remotely within his capabilities to chase after Adeyemi and takes a booking.

51st minute: PSG HIT BOTH POSTS! Remarkable scenes here as Mbappe cuts onto his right foot and curls a beautiful effort beyond Kobel, against the inside of the right upright and away. Dortmund can't get it away and Hakimi drives against the inside of the other post. Somehow Edin Terzic's men survive.

49th minute: Adeyemi burns away from Marquinhos. Sancho loses his footing but regains it in time to have a shot that's blocked.

Kickoff: 2nd Half

We're back. No changes for either side. I wonder how long Luis Enrique will leave it like this.

Halftime

Brandt's delivery is floated to Sabitzer at the edge of the box. He volleys into the turn and Donnarumma catches despite Fullkrug approaching him in the manner of a very large labrador. Dortmund are good value for their lead. It's been a game of few chances, with Fullkrug fashioning his goal superbly. PSG fell behind in both games against Barcelona and will have to dig into more of those reserves.

45th minute+4: Hakimi, who's not having a great game by any stretch of the imagination, fouls Maatsen and PSG have a free-kick near the touchline on the left to see off.

45th minute+2: Wonderful skill from Dembele, who gets to the byline and fires a low cross beyond Kobel but Ryerson is there to clear before any PSG player can get on the scene.

45th minute: Four minutes to be added on.

44th minute: Huge save from Donnarumma! Beraldo's first touch shovels the ball into Fullkrug, which isn't idea. He then switches the play to the flank and is on the end of the cross to tee up Sabitzer. The midfielder catches his shot sweetly on the volley and it's an excellent stop.

41th minute: Hernandez pulled up after that goal and the France defender is unable to continue. Beraldo comes on. PSG will just want to get to halftime and regroup now.

36th minute: GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Niclas Fullkrug!!!!

Breakthrough for Dortmund and what a goal from their centre-forward. Raking ball over the top, Fullkrug brings it down with his right foot and sends a blistering low strike beyond Donnarumma. Someone check the roof is still attached.

34th minute: Barcola bundles his way past Ryerson. His low cross towards Dembele is dealt with by Maatsen.

31st minute: It goes a bit wrong for Dortmund as Hummels gets up but skews his header all the way back to corner taker Brandt, who is offside.

30th minute: Hakimi, who looks a little rattled in the modern parlance, slices behind. It's another corner.

29th minute: Brandt's in-swinging delivery is aimed towards Hummels. Vitinha hoofs clear. Here comes Dortmund again, nice feet from Sancho and Marquinhos gets in the way of a blistering Brandt strike.

28th minute: Dortmund into the PSG half after absorbing some sustained possession from their visitors. Hakimi gets in a bit of strife against Adeyemi and BVB have a free-kick on the left flank near the touchline.

23rd minute: Mbappe shifts through the gears and goes after a return ball from Ruiz. He can't bring it under his spell but it feels like a warning.

20th minute: Dembele whips in a free-kick from the right. Dortmund don't deal with it convincingly, Ruiz flips it back into the area and Henandez runs into Sabitzer, taking a blow to the mouth for his troubles.

18th minute: Dembele tries another from distance against his former club. This one is a little closer.

17th minute: Sabitzer was the goalscoring hero to defeat Atletico and Hakimi has to be alert to another penetrating run beyond the forward line from the Austria midfielder.

14th minute: Chance for Dortmund and Sancho robs Mendes and gets Sabitzer into a shooting position in the right channel. Donnarumma is out well to narrow the angle and make the save.

12th minute: Ryerson and then Can are harried and Kobel slices the latter's backpass out for a throw. The PSG press starting to work well.

10th minute: Finally some possession in the Dortmund half for PSG, but it's fairly slow and ponderous with the hosts snapping around them. Now Zaire-Emery quickens the pace and Dembele engineers a shot from 25 yards that he drags well wide.

5th minute: Ryerson drives forward and feeds Sancho, whose driven low cross is thumped away from the six-yard box by Hernandez. It's the confident, high-energy start you'd expect from Dortmund.

Kickoff: 1st Half

We're underway. PSG knocking some early possession around. Barcola looks for Mbappe down the left but the ball runs out of a throw.

5 mins before kickoff: The two teams, each unchanged from their triumphant semifinal second leg performances, are in the tunnel. All eyes on Mbappe, who scored twice away to Real Sociedad and twice at Barcelona in these knockout rounds. What does he 

25 mins before kickoff: PSG out to warm up to a hail of boos. It strikes you that the one-time boy wonder Mbappe has a big leadership role to play for this youthful side tonight. The likes of Barcola and Zaire-Emery have been brilliant this season and are symbols of a team becoming a more cohesive whole rather than a disparate collection of individuals. This feels like an acid test of the much-maligned club's transformation under Luis Enrique.

40 mins before kickoff: We're still over half an hour away from kickoff and it's loud at Signal Iduna Park. This is a flavour of what the PSG players will have to contend with tonight.

1 hr 5 mins before kickoff: Luis Enrique has opted for Barcola alongside Mbappe and Dembele in attack. That combination of pace and movement got the better of Barcelona eventually. Goncalo Ramos has to be content with a place on the bench. Nuno Mendes has passed a late fitness test to start at left-back.

1 hr 10 mins before kickoff: The teams are in. Here's the Dortmund XI. Plenty of firepower with Adeyemi, Brandt and Sancho in support of Fullkrug. It's the same XI that saw off Atletico Madrid.

1 hr 20 mins before kickoff: This is PSG's fourth semifinal appearance in the Champions League and they have only reached the final once. That was during 2020, when the COVID-impacted finals tournament took place in one-off games over the course of one week in Lisbon. Then under Thomas Tuchel, they beat Atalanta and RB Leipzig before losing to Bayern Munich in the final. Yes, narrative fans, they are in the other semifinal and now coached by Thomas Tuchel.

Anyway, it means PSG have never won a two-legged semifinal after losing to Manchester City in 2020/21 and AC Milan back in 1994/95. 

1 hr 40 mins before kickoff: From the quarterfinals onwards, this season's Champions League has been exceptional. Are we in for another thriller tonight. On paper, PSG should have more than enough to overcome the fifth best team in Germany right now. But the Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park will have things turned up to 11 tonight. PSG's win over Barcelona was impressive but a Barca being forced to play away from Camp Nou will feel like a very different proposition to a Dortmund side that ransacked Atletico Madrid on home turf last month.

2 hours before kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid played out a compelling 2-2 draw last night. Can one of these teams claim a significant advantage before next week's return game?

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG kick off time

This Champions League clash takes place at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany and kicks off on Wednesday, May 1 at 9:00 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

  Date Kickoff time
USA Wed, May 1 3:00 p.m. ET
Canada Wed, May 1 3:00 p.m. ET
UK Wed, May 1 8:00 p.m. BST
India Thu, May 2 12:30 a.m. IST
Australia Thu, May 2 5:00 p.m. AEST

WATCH:UEFA Champions League action live on DAZN in Canada

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG lineups, team news

Dortmund head coach Terzic expected to be without key pair Donyell Malen and Sebastien Haller through injury but the latter made the bench

Mats Hummels and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen came through late fitness tests to start in the back four, meaning an unchanged XI from the side that beat Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park last month.

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kobel (GK) — Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen — Sabitzer, Can — Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho — Fullkrug.

Borussia Dortmund subs (12): Meyer (GK), Lotka (GK), Ozcan, Nmecha, Haller, Reus, Wolf, Moukoko, Malen, Sule, Watjen, Bynoe-Gittens.

Luis Enrique had no fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. Centre-back Presnel Kimpembe is out for the season with an Achilles issue.

Kylian Mbappe returned after being rested for the Ligue 1 title-clinching draw at home to Le Havre last weekend, and PSG remain on course for a quadruple.

PSG (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernandez, Mendes — Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz — Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola.

PSG subs (12): Navas (GK), Tenas (GK), Ugarte, Ramos, Asensio, Danilo, Lee, Kolo Muani, Mukiele, Soler, Beraldo, Skriniar.

BUY NOW: Champions League final tickets still available

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Champions League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

Region TV Streaming
USA TUDN USA, CBS, Univision Paramount+,
TUDN App, ViX, Univision NOW, Fubo
Canada —

DAZN
UK TNT Sports 1 discovery+
India — JioTV, Sony LIV
Australia — Stan Sport

STREAM EVERY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH LIVE ON PARAMOUNT+

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USA: Champions League matches are available to stream on Paramount+ (English). New users can currently get a FREE seven-day trial. For this game there will be additional broadcast options on TUDN and CBS with Fubo also streaming all the action from Munich.

ViX an Univision is the place to go for Spanish subscribers.

Canada: Every Champions League game streams live on DAZN.

UK: This match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and streamed on discovery+. Every UEFA Champions League and Europa League match this season is available on TNT Sports for only £30.99 / month.

India: JioTV and Sony LIV are the live streaming options for this game.

Australia: Stan Sport has the rights to Champions League games.

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Dom Farrell

Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc. Prior to that, he built more than a decade of experience in the sports journalism industry, primarily for the Stats Perform and Press Association news agencies. Dom has covered major football events on location, including the entirety of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Paris and St Petersburg respectively, along with numerous high-profile Premier League, Champions League and England international matches. Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.