Champions League Quarter-Finals Second Leg: Dortmund Hopes for a Hero, PSG Turns to Navas

The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg matches continue on the early morning of April 17th, Beijing time. Sebastien Haller emerged as Borussia Dortmund's surprise hero in the first leg, scoring a crucial goal to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. However, Haller picked up another injury in the Bundesliga last weekend. Can someone else step up for Dortmund? Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, struggled defensively in the first leg, with both their backline and goalkeeper appearing lethargic. Perhaps it's time to call upon the experienced Keylor Navas for the second leg.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atlético Madrid - Who Will Be the Hero?

In the first leg, both teams played well for half of the game. Atlético Madrid capitalized on the start, with Rodrigo De Paul scoring for Diego Simeone's side just four minutes into the match. By the 30th minute, Atlético had a 2-0 lead. Dortmund made adjustments at halftime, bringing on more attack-minded players like Julian Brandt and Sebastien Haller. Haller rewarded coach Edin Terzić's faith by scoring an away goal in the 81st minute. While away goals no longer provide a tiebreaker advantage, not leaving the opponent's ground empty-handed is still a psychological boost for Dortmund.

Haller's appearances have been limited this season due to well-documented circumstances. He hasn't scored in the Bundesliga yet this season, but his assist against Bayern Munich upon returning from injury and his goal in the Champions League show his value to Dortmund.

Both teams achieved their domestic goals last weekend. Dortmund held on to a 2-1 victory despite being down to ten men. Atlético Madrid beat Girona 3-1, avenging their first-leg loss and extending their lead over fifth place in La Liga. This win allows Atlético to focus fully on their upcoming away match against Dortmund.

Unfortunately for Dortmund, Haller was injured again in last weekend's Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, getting substituted off after just 10 minutes. This likely means he will miss the second leg. However, Jadon Sancho, who missed the first leg due to illness, should be back in the starting lineup. Dortmund is expected to perform at around 20% of their potential at home, while Atlético might only manage 10%. If the game goes into extra time, Dortmund, with their home advantage, should have the upper hand.

Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain - Time for Navas?

Since Xavi Hernández announced he would leave at the end of the season, Barcelona's form has been stellar, winning 10 of their last 13 matches without a single defeat. There are calls for Xavi to stay, but he remains firm in his decision to leave. In the first leg, PSG's weak defense was a stark contrast to their sharp attack. Their first goal was conceded when all defenders, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, focused on Robert Lewandowski, leaving other Barcelona attackers unmarked. The next two goals resulted from poor marking, and Donnarumma seemed sluggish in his responses, especially on the goal that put Barcelona ahead, where he had enough time to clear the ball before Andreas Christensen scored.

Last weekend, Barcelona rested Lewandowski, who, despite not scoring, creates a significant distraction for any defense. Additionally, Raphinha, who scored twice in the first leg, played only 10 minutes in the league match against Cádiz, indicating he will be a key player for Xavi in the second leg.

Barcelona had no league game before the first leg, while PSG's weekend match was postponed, giving them six days to prepare. This rest period could be crucial as the season progresses. Defense remains a headache for Luis Enrique, with loose marking in the first leg. Even with substitute errors, Milan Škriniar doesn't seem to offer a better option than the starting defenders. Donnarumma's inconsistency might lead Enrique to turn to the experienced Navas to steady the ship.

Historically, matches between these two sides often feature high scores, and a one-goal advantage won't reassure Barcelona. The last time they hosted PSG, they lost 4-1. If PSG's defense improves, they could limit Barcelona to 10% of their attacking potential while unleashing 30% of their own.

Tactical Adjustments and Player Fitness

The tactical decisions made by Terzić and Simeone in the second leg will be crucial. Terzić's early substitutions in the first leg were instrumental in Dortmund's second-half resurgence. The introduction of Brandt and Haller added a much-needed attacking threat. With Haller likely out, Terzić may need to rely on other players, such as Sancho and possibly Gio Reyna, to provide the offensive spark.

Simeone's approach, typically pragmatic and defensively robust, might focus on maintaining their lead and hitting Dortmund on the counter. Players like João Félix and Marcos Llorente could be key in exploiting any gaps left by Dortmund's aggressive play.

For Barcelona, Xavi's tactical nous has been evident in recent weeks. His ability to rotate the squad while maintaining performance levels will be tested against PSG. The fitness of Lewandowski and Raphinha, crucial in breaking down PSG's defense, will be vital.

Luis Enrique's challenge lies in shoring up PSG's defense. The potential inclusion of Navas might provide the stability needed to withstand Barcelona's attacks. The decision to rest key players over the weekend indicates Enrique is prioritizing this Champions League clash.

Psychological Battle and Home Advantage

The psychological aspect of these fixtures cannot be underestimated. Dortmund's away goal in the first leg, while not carrying the weight it once did, provides a psychological boost. The belief that they can score against Atlético and the home crowd's support will be significant factors.

Atlético, known for their resilience and defensive discipline under Simeone, will aim to frustrate Dortmund and capitalize on any mistakes. Their recent domestic form provides a confidence boost, but the intensity of a Champions League knockout tie will test their resolve.

Barcelona's current unbeaten run and the emotional backdrop of Xavi's impending departure add a unique psychological dimension. The players' motivation to send Xavi off with a trophy could elevate their performance. However, the memory of their last heavy defeat to PSG at Camp Nou might linger.

For PSG, the pressure to finally secure Champions League glory is immense. The experience of players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé, combined with the defensive solidity potentially provided by Navas, could tip the balance in their favor.

Potential Outcomes and Implications

The outcomes of these quarter-final second leg matches will have far-reaching implications for all involved. For Dortmund, advancing would signify a significant achievement, given the challenges they've faced this season. A win could also boost morale in their domestic campaign.

Atlético Madrid's progression would further cement Simeone's legacy and provide a springboard for the latter stages of the competition. Their tactical discipline and resilience will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.

Barcelona's advancement would be a fitting farewell for Xavi, while PSG's progression is vital for their ambitions of European dominance. The tactical adjustments and player performances in these matches will be pivotal in determining the outcomes.

In conclusion, the Champions League quarter-final second leg matches promise to deliver high-stakes drama and tactical intrigue. The managers' decisions, players' fitness, and psychological factors will all play crucial roles in these eagerly anticipated fixtures. As the journey towards European glory continues, fans worldwide can look forward to enthralling football from some of the continent's best teams.