(CNN Spanish) — Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a slight home advantage after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. The next meeting will be held on May 7 at the Parc des Princes.
The first half was not an electrifying game. PSG had more of the ball but created less danger, and it wasn't until Niklas Fulkrug opened the scoring in Borussia Dortmund's favor in the 35th minute that the match gained intensity and emotion.
That goal was the result of a long pass from Nico Schlotterbeck, which featured brilliant control by Fulkruek, who knew how to fire past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Germany players celebrate the first and only goal of the tournament. Credit: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images
PSG appealed at times to the idiosyncrasies of Ousmane Dembelé and Kylian Mbappé, but to no avail. Instead, it was the Germans who came close to extend their lead through a fine shot by Marcel Sabitzer, who was diverted by Donnarumma.
The second half, however, was a Champions League semi-final. Mbappé was about to score a great goal but his shot hit the post. Achraf Hakimi came close to equalizing on the same play, but the shot again hit the post. Minute 51.
PSG's attack intensified and Dortmund were saved again three minutes later when Fabian Ruiz headed in a good cross from Marquinhos.
Kylian Mbappe did not score on this occasion. Credit: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images
Dortmund squandered another great chance in the 60th minute when Jadon Sancho broke his marker and sent a cross over the Fulcrug crossbar. A clear desire for a goal and signal Iduna Park attendees lament.
Luis Enrique moved the PSG bench in the 65th minute: Bradley Barkola came off and Randall Kolo Mwani entered. front front
The French team apologized again in the 80th minute: PSG's collective play ended at the feet of Dembele, who sent it into the clouds.
Fabian Ruiz regrets wasting a wish Credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
The give and take was competitive. An excellent Sancho in Dortmund opened up gaps and pushed his team forward. At PSG, Mbappé is always under surveillance, and Marquinhos has saved the French team more than once.
German coach Edin Tercic made three changes in midfield from the 83rd minute in an attempt to contain PSG's attack, which continued to squander options.
Is Dortmund's advantage enough? 1-0 and despite neither team scoring, the series remains wide open. The winner will play in the Champions League final on June 1 at Wembley Stadium in London.
