UEFA Champions League: Barcelona edge past PSG in thriller, Atletico down Dortmund

Barcelona got here again to defeat PSG in a thriller whereas Atletico Madrid had been compelled to work exhausting by Borussia Dortmund to get the win of their first leg conflict of the UEFA Champions League on April 10, Wednesday. A brace from Raphinha and a purpose from Andreas Christensen helped Barca take the essential lead within the quarterfinal tie, which appeared like heading in Paris’ favour after the beginning of the second half. The sport kicked off with Barcelona asserting their dominance early on, culminating in a spectacular purpose by Brazilian ahead Raphinha within the thirty seventh minute.

PSG, nevertheless, refused to be subdued. They got here roaring again within the second half with a vengeance. Ousmane Dembele, the previous Barcelona winger, unleashed a wide ranging shot into the highest nook within the forty eighth minute, leveling the scores. The momentum appeared to have shifted in favor of the house facet when Vitinha, simply two minutes later, discovered the online, placing PSG forward with a well-placed end.

However Barcelona was not achieved. Raphinha, proving to be the evening’s hero, volleyed in his second purpose of the match within the 62nd minute, bringing the scoreline to a tense 2-2. The match’s decisive second got here 13 minutes from time when Andreas Christensen, coming off the bench, headed in a vital purpose from a nook, sealing a slim however vital benefit for Barcelona as they head into the second leg.

Additionally Learn: UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals Night time 1 outcomes

Atletico made to sweat ultimately by Dortmund

Atletico Madrid showcased their ambition to achieve the Champions League semi-finals for the primary time since 2017 by securing a slim but essential 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund within the quarter-final’s first leg. The match, characterised by Atletico’s aggressive and high-energy play, noticed them take an early lead, capitalizing on Dortmund’s defensive lapses.

The sport kicked off with Atletico Madrid instantly asserting their dominance. A second of hesitation from Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, as he delayed a cross to defender Ian Maatsen, was pounced upon by Rodrigo De Paul. De Paul’s eager sense of alternative allowed him to intercept the ball and calmly discover the again of the online, giving Atletico a lead throughout the opening 4 minutes.

Dortmund discovered themselves struggling to advance previous their very own half, pinned again by Atletico’s relentless stress. This stress quickly bore fruit once more when one other defensive mistake by Dortmund gave Samuel Lino the possibility to increase Atletico’s lead. His purpose within the thirty second minute appeared to solidify Atletico’s management over the sport. Nevertheless, Lino’s evening was bittersweet, as he obtained a reserving that may see him sidelined for the upcoming second leg.

Regardless of showing to be on the again foot for a lot of the match, Dortmund managed to claw again into competition due to Sebastien Haller. Within the 81st minute, Haller seized his alternative, decreasing the deficit and maintaining Dortmund’s hopes alive for the return leg. The closing phases of the match noticed Dortmund almost equalise, hitting the woodwork twice, including to the nail-biting end.

Dortmund will now look to overturn the deficit once they welcome Atletico to the Sign Iduna Park on April 16. PSG will head to Barcelona on the identical date hoping for a reversal in fortunes as effectively.