Dortmund’s Journey to the Champions League Final: A Triumph for Football
Despite a disappointing domestic campaign, Borussia Dortmund has defied expectations and is now just one game away from becoming European champions for the second time in their history. Led by manager Edin Terzic, Dortmund produced a superb team performance to secure a 1-0 victory over Paris St-Germain in the semi-final second leg, completing a 2-0 aggregate triumph.
The road to the final has not been easy for Dortmund. They finished fifth in the Bundesliga, but their Champions League campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. Defender Mats Hummels, who scored the winning goal against PSG, believes that his side has what it takes to win the tournament for the first time since 1997. He stated, “Since the second match of the group stage, we’ve believed we can prevail – and I don’t see why we shouldn’t win at Wembley.”
Hummels, who was part of the Dortmund side that lost to Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley, played a crucial role in his team’s impressive defensive display against PSG. Despite hitting the woodwork on six occasions over the two legs, the French champions couldn’t find a way through Dortmund’s resolute defense. Dortmund forward Marco Reus, who may be playing his final game for the club after 12 years, expressed his excitement about reaching the final, stating, “Shots against the post won’t matter tomorrow. What counts is that Borussia Dortmund are in the final again. Nobody expected this. It’s just incredible.”
Dortmund’s journey to the final has been hailed as a triumph for football. Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised Dortmund’s ability to overcome tough opponents without relying on superstars. He said, “Dortmund found a way of being there without any superstars. Terzic has done a fantastic job to find solutions.” Ally McCoist, a former Scotland striker, described Dortmund’s performance as a “tactical masterclass” and emphasized their unity as a team, stating, “They play for each other. We saw what a relationship they have with their fans, the way they celebrate with them – they’re a proper club.”
Dortmund’s journey to the final has been a rollercoaster ride. They were drawn in a tough group with PSG, AC Milan, and Newcastle, but managed to finish top. They then eliminated PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 and Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. The team’s resilience and ability to find solutions when faced with challenges have been key factors in their success.
For Dortmund, reaching the final is an opportunity to give something back to their fans after narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title. Manager Edin Terzic expressed his happiness at being able to repay the supporters and acknowledged the growth his team has experienced throughout the tournament. He said, “We’ve grown with every game and eventually realized we could be the team that surprises everyone. This is a very proud moment for us, and the dream is not over yet.”
As Dortmund prepares to face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final at Wembley on June 1st, their journey serves as a reminder that in football, anything is possible. Their success without relying on big-name stars highlights the importance of teamwork and unity. Dortmund’s story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience, and it has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.