They last met during the group stage, and both teams had to come from behind to secure their spots in the semi-finals by defeating Spanish teams in the quarter-finals. Dortmund edged past Atletico Madrid, while PSG got the better of Barcelona.
Dortmund is making its first appearance in a Champions League semi-final since reaching the final under Jurgen Klopp in the 2012-13 season. Their win against Atletico Madrid was dramatic, with a 4-2 second-leg triumph leading to a 5-4 aggregate victory.
However, Dortmund's preparations for this semi-final haven't been smooth. They haven't won their last two Bundesliga matches, drawing 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen after conceding a 97th-minute equalizer, then losing heavily 4-1 to RB Leipzig last weekend. Despite scoring first through Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, Dortmund fell behind and never recovered, impacting their chances for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
Currently fifth in the Bundesliga, Dortmund has a five-point gap to close to reach the top four, with only three games left. Although fifth place might be enough for a Champions League spot due to the new format, winning this season's Champions League is their surest route. Dortmund has a tough task ahead, as their semi-final opponents include PSG, with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid potentially awaiting in the final.
Historically, Dortmund's record against PSG isn't great, having only won once in their previous six meetings. Yet, their home record is promising, with an unbeaten streak in the last 10 Champions League matches at Westfalenstadion, six of which were wins.
PSG, meanwhile, is closing in on their first-ever Champions League title. They overcame Barcelona in the quarter-finals with a 6-4 aggregate score. Despite losing the first leg 3-2 at home, they turned things around in Spain, helped by Barcelona's Ronald Araujo's red card. Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembele all scored in the comeback win, setting the stage for a high-stakes semi-final.
In Ligue 1, PSG had convincing 4-1 wins over Lyon and Lorient, then secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Le Havre, thanks to a last-minute equalizer. PSG was crowned Ligue 1 champions last weekend after Monaco's loss, adding to their confidence heading into Wednesday's game. PSG's unbeaten streak of 15 away games also boosts their morale, a run that started after their 2-1 loss to AC Milan during the group stage.
This semi-final clash promises to be exciting, with PSG aiming for their first Champions League title and Dortmund hoping to make a surprise run to the final. With both teams showing they can come back from adversity, the first leg should be filled with high-octane action and drama.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Borussia Dortmund will be missing Ramy Bensebaini (knee) and Sebastien Haller (ankle) due to injuries. They'll also have to check on Ian Maatsen (muscle), Donyell Malen (thigh), and Mats Hummels (shin) before kickoff; Hummels had to leave the game early against Leipzig because of his injury.Emre Can, who served a suspension in the Bundesliga last weekend along with Maatsen, is available for selection on Wednesday. Can could replace either Salih Ozcan or Felix Nmecha in central midfield. Niclas Fullkrug, Dortmund's top scorer this season with 14 goals across all competitions, will lead the attack, aiming to score in his third straight home game. Sancho and Karim Adeyemi will likely be on the wings to provide additional firepower.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, they are without Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Layvin Kurzawa (back), and Sergio Rico (head), who are all recovering from injuries. Last weekend, PSG manager Luis Enrique rested Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nuno Mendes, Lucas Hernandez, and Fabian Ruiz, but they are expected to be back in the squad for Wednesday's game, with Donnarumma likely to start as goalkeeper, replacing Keylor Navas.
Kylian Mbappe, who came off the bench last time out, is also expected to start. He's scored eight of his 43 goals this season in the Champions League and could join the attack alongside Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. PSG will be hoping their rested players will be ready to face Dortmund in this crucial match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Fullkrug
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Danilo, Hernandez; Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola; Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Dortmund 2-2 PSG
The French club has won its last five away games in all competitions, racking up 18 goals along the way. With Kylian Mbappe and several other key players rested and ready to jump back into action, it seems likely that PSG might just do enough to clinch a narrow win.
