German Side, Borussia Dortmund, secured their first UEFA Champions League semi-final in 11 years by staging a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate.
Dortmund entered the match with a 2-1 defeat from Madrid. The home team secured a 2-0 lead by halftime with goals from Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen, placing them ahead on aggregate.
Diego Simeone, the visiting coach, made three halftime substitutions, introducing Angel Correa, whose immediate impact was evident. Mats Hummels conceded an unfortunate own goal shortly after, followed by a goal from the Argentine, putting Atletico back in the lead in the tie.
However, those goals revitalized a lethargic Dortmund, as Niclas Fuellkrug and Marcel Sabitzer found the net within a three-minute span, securing passage for the Bundesliga club.
“It was magical. I try not to go overboard in interviews, but it was really magical. The stadium was on fire today,” Fuellkrug told DAZN.
One time champions Dortmund, currently sitting fifth in the German top division and facing difficulties in securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, will now take on Paris Saint-Germain in the next round for a chance to reach the final at Wembley on June 1st.
“We did give them chances and goals in the 15 minutes after half-time, we have to improve that for sure, but our response to it was sensational,” Brandt said.
Atletico who were aiming to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in seven years but were unsuccessful, experiencing a quarter-final exit for the third time in five seasons.
“It was tough,” Atletico captain Koke told Movistar.
“Their goals hurt a lot — the fact that they got them so quickly after each other.
“We are angry because we wanted to get through. This is football and it can be cruel,” he added.
Dortmund have not lost in their previous 10 home matches in the Champions League, setting a new club record in this competition.
Dortmund have reached their fourth Champions League semi-final.
For only the second time in history, Atletico conceded four goals in a Champions League knockout tie, the first being in the 2014 final against Real Madrid where they lost 1-4. They conceded 13 UCL goals this season.
