A favorable history for PSG
Despite losing 2-1 in the first leg in Dortmund, PSG still have every chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Parisian club is even in a rather favorable waiver if we trust the history of the competition. Under the era of the Champions League (since 1992/93), 25 teams lost on the road during the first meeting with the score of 2-1. And 14 of them managed to reverse the situation and qualify. Or a ratio of 56%.
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Monaco, the example to follow
Among these 25 cases listed, only one concerns a French club. This is Monaco which had experienced such a situation in 2003/04. It was after a 2-1 defeat on the field of Lokomotiv Moscow, already at the stage of the round of 16. In the return match, ASM players won 1-0 with a goal from Dado Prso. This allowed Monaco to climb to the final. Such a course would most likely suit Thomas Tuchel's men.
Dortmund, shortcomings in large outdoor meetings
When approaching this eighth-final return leg of the Champions League, Dortmund has an advantage of a goal, acquired in the first leg (2-1), to preserve. But will the German club really be able to? There is something to doubt when we look at the recent performances of Borussia as it evolves far from its stadium during the direct elimination phase of this competition. Because he lost each of his last 5 trips which took place after the group stage. This series started after a victory on the ground of Zenit Saint Petersburg on February 25, 2014 (2-4).
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PSG, an attack that scares the counters
The main reason for optimism to believe in a qualification for PSG lies in its attacking sector. To be convinced, it suffices to observe the number of goals stacked by the club in recent times. Thomas Tuchel's men have scored at least 4 times in 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions (28 goals in total). The only exception in this series… the first leg against Dortmund (2-1).
PSG, a defense that has become more brittle
The real question for PSG for this meeting will be its ability to contain the assaults of Dortmund players. Especially since the club has been experiencing real difficulties with its rearguard lately. In its last 8 meetings in all competitions, the club has conceded 14 goals. Or an average of 1.75 conceded goal / match. Far from its performance over the rest of the season (19 goals conceded in its first 35 games, a ratio of 0.54 conceded goal / match).
Mbappé was full of confidence
Since the round of 16 first leg lost in Dortmund on February 18 (2-1), Kylian Mbappé has seen his efficiency increase dramatically. For his first post-Champions League outing, the PSG striker scored 1 time against Bordeaux. The next match, against Dijon, he allowed himself a double and 1 assist. Finally, facing Lyon, the French international signed a hat-trick. In 3 matches in all competitions, he was therefore involved in 7 goals (6 goals, 1 assist).
Haaland, the equal of Fontaine, Firmino or Mané
With its double, the Norwegian phenomenon of Dortmund was the executioner of PSG in the first leg. At just 19, Erling Haaland has already reached the 10 goal mark this season in the Champions League. He thus becomes the 5th player in the history of C1 to have such a total of goals during his first season in competition. Before him, Just Fontaine (10 with Reims in 1958/59), Claudio Sulser (11 with Grasshopper Zurich in 1978/79), Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino (10 with Liverpool in 2017/18) had achieved such a performance.
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