In an exhilarating Champions League face-off, Borussia Dortmund triumphed over Atletico Madrid 4-2 at home, eclipsing Atletico’s first-leg 2-1 victory and advancing to the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 5-4. Double scores from the German team in the initial 45 minutes suggested an easy cruise to the semi-finals, but a brief resurgence from Atletico who scored twice right after halftime momentarily unbalanced Dortmund before they rallied for an impressive comeback.
The match kicked off to a thrilling start, with Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer aiming for an early lead in the third minute, only to be denied by a remarkable block from Cesar Azpilicueta. Dortmund were able to level the aggregate score at the 34th minute, thanks to Julian Brandt who finished a superb pass from Mats Hummels. Soon after, a stunning shot from Ian Maatsen put Dortmund in the quarter-final lead.
Atletico’s coach, Diego Simeone, who made three substitutions at halftime, got his tactic right as Hummels accidentally scored an own goal, followed by Angel Correa’s recovery goal in the 64th minute for the Spanish side.
However, Niclas Fuellkrug, Dortmund’s player, turned the tide with a sublime header from Sabitzer’s assist to level the total score. Santander Park spectators were still trying to calm their nerves when Sabitzer secured Dortmund’s semi-final place with a successful shot just three minutes after the tiebreaking score. The home crowd burst into ecstatic celebration with their team’s thrilling victory.