UEFA Champions League: Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain Live
Preview
Borussia Dortmund, who have already secured qualification, will host Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated Group F finale on Wednesday. Dortmund only need a draw to secure first place in the group, while Paris Saint-Germain must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Since the beginning of this year’s Champions League, Borussia Dortmund has shown their European credentials by securing a place in the knockout rounds with a third successive continental win on matchday five. They started with a 2-0 loss to their upcoming opponents at the Parc des Princes but have since bounced back with victories, including a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
With 10 points from a possible 15 in the group phase, Dortmund is guaranteed a spot in the last-16 draw. However, they risk being bumped down to second place if they lose to PSG this week. Despite their recent success in the Champions League, their domestic performances in December have been disappointing, including a draw and a loss in the Bundesliga.
Coincidentally, a last-minute decision by the referee, which was considered disastrous by Newcastle fans, saved PSG from defeat against Newcastle two weeks ago. The French champions were on the verge of losing at the Parc des Princes due to Alexander Isak’s goal in the first half. Despite several opportunities, PSG struggled to equalize due to their own wastefulness and the exceptional performance of Nick Pope. However, in the final moments, Tino Livramento was judged to have handled the ball in the box, leading to Kylian Mbappe scoring a late equalizer from the penalty spot.
Despite objections from Newcastle fans that the ball appeared to hit Livramento’s thigh before his elbow, the decision stood, keeping PSG in a strong position for advancement. A win in the upcoming match would secure PSG’s spot in the last-16 and first place, but a draw could leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by Newcastle if the Magpies defeat AC Milan. If PSG were to lose and Newcastle’s match ends in a draw, they would still hold onto second place. PSG’s recent poor away form in the Champions League and their struggle to keep clean sheets outside of the Parc des Princes may dampen their confidence, but they have never lost four consecutive European games on the road.
Head-to-head
PSG has won two out of their last three matches against Dortmund, while Dortmund has won one. In their most recent meeting earlier this season at the Parc Des Princes, PSG secured a 2-0 victory.
Prediction
For more than three years, PSG has not kept a clean sheet in an away Champions League match. To keep their hopes of winning a top-level European title alive, they will likely need to adopt an aggressive approach once again. However, Enrique has the necessary tools to counter this. While PSG could learn from Dortmund’s defensive tactics in Group H, the current struggles of the hosts in their domestic league and the numerous players missing from their lineup lead us to believe that PSG will secure a spot in the last 16 and finish in first place.
