Borussia Dortmund secured their first Champions League semi-final appearance in 11 years through an impressive second-half resurgence, defeating Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate.
After a 2-1 loss in the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund swiftly reversed their fortunes, with Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen finding the net from challenging angles in the opening half.
However, Atletico Madrid leveled the tie 3-3 on aggregate and 2-1 on the night as Mario Hermoso’s header, aided by a deflection off Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, found the net shortly after the break.
In the 64th minute, Angel Correa restored Atletico’s aggregate lead with a close-range finish off a rebounded shot.
Yet, Dortmund fought back once more in a thrilling second half, equalizing through Niclas Fullkrug’s looping header from Marcel Sabitzer’s delivery in the 71st minute.
Then, just minutes later, Sabitzer sealed Dortmund’s victory with a precision strike into the bottom corner, concluding a remarkable quarter-final contest and setting up a semi-final clash against Paris St-Germain.
Maatsen ‘dreaming of this as a kid’
Dortmund defender Maatsen, whose goal gave Dortmund a 3-2 aggregate lead, said he had “been dreaming of [moments like this] as a kid”.
“It is such an amazing feeling,” he told CBS. “Especially now scoring a great goal and my first goal in the Champions League so I am very grateful and so happy.”
Maatsen, 22, signed a contract extension with parent club Chelsea in January before joining Dortmund on loan until the end of the season.
The Dutchman had been playing Championship football this time last year while on loan at Burnley.
“I always had the belief to play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reasons it didn’t work out,” he added.
“But, now I am here, I am very grateful for this opportunity. I came here to experience at the highest level and play my game and today I think I showed a very good performance.”
Dortmund deservedly end 11-year absence
Dortmund’s last appearance in the Champions League semi-finals dates back to their runner-up finish in 2012-2013, marking only the fourth occasion the German club has progressed beyond the quarter-finals.
Their achievement is particularly noteworthy given their 2-0 deficit in the first leg in Madrid, where they appeared to be on the brink of elimination at halftime.
However, in the return leg in Germany, Dortmund displayed relentless determination, starting the match brightly. They nearly took the lead early on through Sabitzer, whose shot was cleared off the line by former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
Atletico also had a prime opportunity, but Alvaro Morata failed to capitalize, sending his shot wide when through on goal.
In the second half, Correa missed a chance before eventually putting Atletico ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
Nevertheless, Dortmund finished the match with vigor and could have added more goals if not for two outstanding saves from Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, denying Fullkrug and Sabitzer late in the game.
Atletico’s concession of four goals in a Champions League knockout tie for the first time since their 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the 2014 final underscores their struggle to reach the tournament’s final four. Diego Simeone’s side has now endured a seven-year absence from the semi-finals of Europe’s premier competition.