But what an evening. An exceptional evening for an exceptional match. Defeated 2-1 in the first leg, BVB ended up qualifying after a totally crazy match won 4-2. The Germans will face in the semi-final… Paris-Saint-Germain, 4-1 winner of FC Barcelona.
Despite a mixed season in the league (tied for fifth with Leipzig), BVB did not want to disappoint their public. From the first minutes of the game, the Germans took control of the ball with a desire to play the game, with the awareness that their destiny was in their hands. Signal Iduna Park was also ready to explode on the first opportunity of the match, a volley from Marcel Sabitzer, blocked at the last minute by an exceptional tackle from Cesar Azpilicueta (4th). In the minute that followed, Alvaro Morata missed his little ball after a 50-meter race (5th). Two huge occasions heralding an incredible evening. After a few calmer minutes, the Yellow and Black supporters could finally explode. Julian Brandt (34th) and Ian Maatsen (39th) scored two superb left-footed goals. At the break, after a generally controlled first period, BVB was qualified for the semi-finals.
The second half started with three new faces on the pitch. Diego Simeone, aware of his team’s shortcomings in the first half, made a triple change at the break. The Argentine coach took the opportunity to replace his two pistons, Azpilicueta and Molina – particularly in difficulty during the first act – as well as Morata for Correa. Changes that pay off immediately. Matts Hummels, author of an XXL match, nevertheless had the misfortune to deflect a header from Hermoso into his own goal (49th, 2-1). Shortly after the hour mark, Correa, omnipresent since his entry, allowed his team to pick up the score but also to qualify for the semi-finals (64th, 2-2). Twenty bad minutes for the Ruhr club which could have been fatal. But like in the first half, it only takes five minutes to set a volcano ablaze. After an excellent cross from Sabitzer, Fullkrug placed a splendid uncrossed header which ended at the back post (71st, 3-2). Only three minutes later, Sabitzer struck from the left into the area to offer the Germans qualification (74th, 4-2). Signal Iduna Park couldn’t take it anymore and once again offered one of the most beautiful atmospheres in Europe.
BVB therefore qualified for the fifth semi-final in its history to the detriment of Antoine Griezmann’s Atlético de Madrid, who were slightly shy this evening. The Germans will face PSG, already opponents during the group stage. Emre Can and his teammates lost 2-0 at the Parc des Princes before drawing at home. Revenges to come on April 30/May 1 and May 7/8 with a first round in the electric and boiling atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park.