Borussia Dortmund stun Atletico Madrid to reach Champions League semis
German side Borussia Dortmund reached their first UEFA Champions League semi-final in 11 years by producing a massive second-half comeback to beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate. Dortmund came into this contest with a 2-1 defeat in Madrid. The hosts took a 2-0 lead to half-time and were ahead on aggregate. Atletico fought back with two goals. But Dortmund had another story to write.
A stunning second-leg on offer
Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen both scored for Dortmund in the first half. Atletico saw Mario Hermoso's header deflect in off Matts Hummels shortly after the restart. Angel Correa then gave Atletico a 4-3 lead on aggregate when he smashed in a rebounding finish from close range (64'). Niclas Fullkrug scored from Marcel Sabitzer's cross with a looping header. Sabitzer scored thereafter.
4th Champions League semi-final appearance for Dortmund
Dortmund are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches in the Champions League (W6 D4), a new record for the club in this competition. Dortmund have reached their fourth Champions League semi-final. For the second time ever, Atletico conceded four goals in a Champions League knockout tie after losing 1-4 to Real Madrid in the 2014 final. Atletico conceded 13 UCL goals this season.
Sabitzer shines on big night for BVB
As per Opta, Sabitzer is the first Austrian player to be involved in three goals (G1 A2) in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage match in the current format of the competition (since 2003-04). The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder owns five assists and a goal in the Champions League 2023-24 season. He owns six goals and eight assists this season.
Here are the match stats
Dortmund had nine shots on target from 19 attempts. Atletico managed three shots on target from 10 attempts. Atletico had 1.98 expected goals. Dortmund had 34 touches in the opponent's box. They also had 52% possession and an 86% pass accuracy.
