Borussia Dortmund produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 11 years, overcoming Atletico Madrid with a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund hit the ground running in the return fixture. Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen scored in the first half from tight angles, giving the German side the advantage and putting Atletico on the back foot.
Atletico responded with determination, leveling the aggregate at 3-3 through a deflected header from Mario Hermoso and a close-range finish by Angel Correa, keeping their hopes alive.
However, Dortmund refused to yield. Niclas Fullkrug’s looping header and Marcel Sabitzer’s drilled finish sealed a thrilling comeback, sending the German side into the semi-finals.
The triumph is particularly impressive given Dortmund’s first-leg deficit, highlighting the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. This marks just the fourth time in club history that Dortmund have advanced beyond the quarter-finals in the Champions League.
In the semi-finals, Dortmund will face Paris Saint-Germain, setting up what promises to be another intense and high-stakes encounter in Europe’s premier club competition.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid continue their wait for a return to the Champions League final four, having last reached the semi-finals seven years ago.
