Niclas Fullkrug scored a brilliant first-half winner as Borussia Dortmund beat Paris St-Germain 1-0 in a frenetic first leg of their Champions League semi-final. The German international expertly controlled a long ball before unleashing a left-footed rocket to give Dortmund a 36th-minute lead.
After a subdued first half, PSG roared back with several chances to equalize. Kylian Mbappe’s curling effort agonizingly struck the inside of the post, followed moments later by Achraf Hakimi hitting the woodwork for Dortmund.
Fullkrug nearly doubled his tally after a dazzling run from on-loan Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, but the striker could only blaze over the bar from close range.
Dortmund’s direct play, aggression, and tenacity unsettled the Ligue 1 champions. PSG controlled possession in the first half but failed to register a shot on target, while Dortmund consistently carved out opportunities.
Marcel Sabitzer spurned a superb chance to double Dortmund’s lead right before halftime, his close-range volley brilliantly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG manager Luis Enrique rallied his side at the break, leading to Mbappe’s first major threat in the 51st minute. His trademark cut in from the left struck the post, followed by a similar effort from former Dortmund right-back Hakimi rattling the woodwork at the opposite end.
Ousmane Dembele, another ex-Dortmund player, wasted a glorious chance with 10 minutes remaining. Fullkrug later thought he deserved a penalty after being nudged in the back when poised to head in, but the 1-0 scoreline leaves this tie finely balanced for the second leg at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.