Magical Night as Two Teams Qualify for UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals

Two UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matches ended on an electrifying note as Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made it into the semifinals with thrilling comeback victories.

Borussia Dortmund faced Atletico Madrid, staging a blockbuster comeback in the second half after trailing 2-1 on aggregate from the first leg at the Metropolitano stadium. Meanwhile, Barcelona lost to PSG, nullifying their compelling 3-2 win in Paris. The game took a drastic turn after a red card to Barcelona’s main center-back, Ronald Araujo, changed the whole complexion of the match.

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Barcelona seemed in control against PSG until Araujo’s red card in the 29th minute meant that Raphinha’s goal for Barcelona would go in vain. Former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha netted two goals on either side of halftime to level the aggregate score at 4-4. Kylian Mbappe’s brace ultimately sealed the deal for PSG, securing their place in the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2020.

Xavi’s aggressive antics on the touchline also earned him a red card as the referee banished the Barcelona manager off the field due to his fuming reaction to the referee’s decisions.

In the other game, Julian Brandt and Ian Maatsen’s two goals in the first half elevated Dortmund’s chances to reach the semifinals. They seemed poised to cruise through the match, but a dramatic turn of events changed the game. Atletico Madrid turned the game on its head in the second half with two quickfire goals. Atletico gained a 4-3 lead on aggregate following an own goal by Matt Hummels and Angel Correa’s strike brought them level in the game at 2-2 at the 64th-minute mark.

Edin Terzic’s men showcased a never-say-die attitude with two thunderous strikes from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer, producing a shock result at the Signal Iduna Park, winning the quarterfinal tie 5-4 on aggregate. It marked the first time since 2013 that Terzic’s Dortmund reached the semi-finals in the world’s biggest and most competitive club competition.

Luis Enrique’s PSG and Edin Terzic’s Dortmund will meet in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League over two legs on April 30 and May 7