The Champions Blog #1.12

 THE CHAMPIONS BLOG

Thirty two teams started this tournament back in September; now, the best two teams in Europe remain and will light the stage up in London on the 1st of June. We were entertained by 2 enthralling matches in the French and Spanish capital, and we have the right winners to face it off in Wembley Stadium. This is the Champions Blog

On Tuesday, Paris Saint Germain hosted Borussia Dortmund in the Parc de Princes, in the French capital. PSG's last appearance in a Champions League final came in 2020, when they were defeated 1-0 by current semi finalists, Bayern Munich. If PSG were victorious, they would participate in their second ever Champions League final. Dortmund's last Champions League final came in 2013, when the venue was also Wembley, and their defeat also came in the hands of Bayern Munich 2-1. Dortmund started the game strong, with constant attacks on the PSG goal, but not one shot could find the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma's net. PSG on the other hand, constantly attacked hitting the frame of Gregor Kobel's net multiple times, but not once shot would make ends meet with the goal. The first half would end goalless with both sides having an equal chance of scoring. Early in the second half, Dortmund took the lead from a corner swung in by Julian Brandt, which Mats Hummels headed in to make it 1-0 for the Yellow and Black. Dortmund were having a cushion in the tie, and looked like they would make the final. PSG wouldn't give up so easily and they kept on attacking, looking for a way back in the tie. However, despite their constant attacks, they couldn't find their goal because of many missed attempts saved by the crossbar. Dortmund would find another goal, but it would be ruled offside. PSG then hit the post many more times, before eventually losing 2-0 on aggregate. This means Dortmund will be the first team to qualify for the Champions League final and Parisian hearts were broken once again in the Champions League. 

Picture Above: Borussia Dortmund players celebrating their first and only goal of the game.

The following day, the Bavarian giants, Bayern Munich travelled to Spain to face the newly crowned La Liga champions, Real Madrid. The two sides couldn't be separated the previous week in Munich, meaning all will be decided in Madrid. Early in the first half, Real Madrid had a golden chance to go forward with the Brazilian starlights, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr, but thanks to the heroics of Manuel Neuer, they were still drawing. Neuer continued to make excellent saves for the duration of the first half, but the away side also couldn't get the ball past Andriy Lunin. Into the second half, we go and Manuel Neuer continued his amazing saves, as Bayern edged closer to scoring with each passing minute. Eventually, Bayern scored thanks to Alphonso Davies, who struck the ball beautifully past Lunin, to give jubilation to the Bavarians. However, like we've seen in previous seasons, Real Madrid will find a way back. Shortly afterwards, Real found the ball in the back of the net, but it was disallowed because of a foul on Joshua Kimmich. In the 88th minute, Real finally found the back of the net. After a clumsy mistake by Neuer, Joeselu managed to tap it past the German keeper to restore hope for the home fans. Only 3 minutes later, and Real Madrid have turned the tie on its head when Antonio Rudiger crossed in a ball for Joselu to tuck home and complete his brace, which was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check. After nearly 15 minutes of extra time, the whistle was sounded and Real were through to another Champions League final.

Picture Above: The two finalists of this season's Champions League

And then there were two. 32 teams started this incredible tournament now, only two remain, ready to light the stage up in London. Dortmund topped an unlikely group while defeating the likes of Atletico Madrid and PSG, while Real defeated the reigning champions Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Who will lift the cup in Wembley and who will face final heartbreak? Find out next time when the Champions Blog returns in June.