UCL semis: Füllkrug goal gives Dortmund slim first-leg advantage over PSG

Niclas Füllkrug scored the only goal as Borussia Dortmund gained a slim 1-0 advantage over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final first-leg encounter at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday night.

The German striker scored the eventual winner in the first half of a match the hosts were denied by the combination of goalkeeper and last-ditch defending but fully deserved their win, even though PSG hit the post twice.

Dortmund created the early half-chances, with Gianluigi Donnarumma saving at the feet of Marcel Sabitzer while Fullkrug’s shot was also blocked.

There was no stopping the 31-year-old on 36 minutes when he latched on to a deep ball from Nico Schlotterbeck and steadied himself before ripping an unstoppable thunderous shot into the PSG net.

Donnarumma denied Sabitzer again as the home side went into the interval just a goal ahead.

The visitors however improved in the second half and hit the post twice, with Kylian Mbappe curling one onto the upright before the rebound was worked to Achraf Hakimi who also hit the base of the post.

Fabian Ruiz failed to hit the target from a header minutes later as PSG continued to search for the equalizer. The Parisiens would prove unsuccessful in their quest as Borussia Dortmund held on to claim a slim advantage.

The loss continues PSG’s record of not winning against Dortmund in Germany, while the hosts made it a record-extending 11 UCL matches unbeaten at home.

The second leg will take place at the Parc des Princes next Tuesday.