Paris Saint-Germain welcomes Borussia Dortmund for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, trailing 1-0 from the previous encounter in Germany. Niclas Fullkrug's first-half goal proved decisive in Dortmund, setting the stage for a crucial clash at Parc des Princes, where PSG aims to overturn the deficit and secure their first Champions League final since 2020.
Facing injuries, PSG will be without defender Lucas Hernandez for at least six months, prompting potential replacements like Lucas Beraldo or Milan Skriniar. Additionally, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, and Sergio Rico remain sidelined, while players like Marco Asensio and Goncalo Ramos vie for starting positions.
Meanwhile, Dortmund, after a significant win against Augsburg, are poised to field their key players like Jadon Sancho, Emre Can, and Fullkrug, who were rested during the weekend. Marco Reus, in stellar form, could earn a starting spot following his standout performance, despite announcing his departure from the club in the summer.
Injuries plague Dortmund, with doubts surrounding players like Julian Ryerson, Ramy Bensebaini, Sebastien Haller, and Karim Adeyemi for the second leg. PSG boasts a strong home record in the Champions League this season, having scored in all five matches at Parc des Princes, with Kylian Mbappe leading their charge with eight goals.
Despite Dortmund's defensive prowess, PSG has shown resilience and attacking intent, particularly evident in their numerous attempts and possession advantage in the first leg. With PSG expected to press for goals early on, Dortmund might adopt a more defensive approach to weather the storm and capitalize on counterattacks.
In a match likely to be filled with tension and tactical maneuvering, PSG's attacking prowess and home advantage could tip the balance in their favor, potentially leading to a reversal of fortunes and progression to the final.
