Champions League Semi-Finals Second Leg: PSG's Composure and Courtois' Crucial Return for Real Madrid

The Champions League semi-finals second leg matches continue in the early hours of May 8th, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid facing crucial encounters. Despite trailing for nearly an hour in the first leg, PSG's head coach Luis Enrique remains calm and confident about reversing the deficit in the second leg. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has returned from injury and is working to regain his form with limited time before the European Championship. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect from these two exciting match-ups.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund - Enrique's Composure

PSG's performance in the Champions League often falls short of their potential, and the first leg against Borussia Dortmund was no exception. Ousmane Dembélé, familiar with the Westfalenstadion, took two mid-range shots from the right side of PSG's attack early on, but both missed the target. Throughout the match, Dembélé had more opportunities to equalize, but his shots went just over the bar.

Dortmund, while not exceptionally better in attack, adapted to their home turf and atmosphere more effectively. In the 36th minute, Niclas Füllkrug broke the offside trap and scored his third goal of his debut Champions League season. PSG’s left-back Nuno Mendes was out of sync with his defensive line, giving Füllkrug the chance to score. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also overestimated his ability to cover the near post, allowing Füllkrug to score with a low shot.

Both teams created several quality chances throughout the match, with their approaches to both creating and missing opportunities being remarkably similar. Misjudgments on the trajectory of crosses and disrupted sightlines led to insufficiently prepared shots. Dortmund's victory hinged on their ability to capitalize on the best scoring chance of the game.

Despite falling behind early, PSG's coach Enrique did not make significant offensive adjustments, indicating his acceptance of a narrow 1-0 defeat. This confidence could stem from PSG's previous successes at home against Dortmund, having won 2-0 in their last two Champions League encounters at the Parc des Princes. In contrast, Dortmund appeared less composed, making late-game substitutions to bring on attacking players like Marco Reus and Youssoufa Moukoko, but they failed to extend their lead.

PSG already overcame a significant deficit against Barcelona in the quarter-finals, and the semi-final reversal seems less daunting. At home, PSG is expected to perform at around 30% of their potential, with Dembélé possibly scoring against his former club, while Dortmund might only show about 10% of their capability on the road.

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich - Courtois Racing Against Time

Bayern Munich dominated the first leg but exposed a clear weakness in center-back Kim Min-jae, which Real Madrid exploited to escape the Allianz Arena with a draw. Real Madrid’s good fortune, evident in their quarter-final against Manchester City, will be crucial to see if it continues into the second leg.

Both teams returned to their domestic leagues over the weekend, maintaining their form. Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over Cádiz, clinching the La Liga title early. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, forced to start Kim Min-jae against a strong Stuttgart side, suffered a 3-1 defeat, putting their runner-up position in jeopardy.

For Real Madrid fans, the return of their first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury, and his pivotal role in securing the La Liga title, is excellent news. However, the big question remains whether Courtois will replace the recently error-prone Andriy Lunin for this crucial Champions League match. Leroy Sané’s equalizer in the first leg was a saveable shot, highlighting Lunin's struggles. Nevertheless, Lunin's contributions have been significant throughout Real Madrid’s campaign, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a tough decision.

Real Madrid's unusual rotation of goalkeepers in their last three matches—using three different keepers—is rare during such a crucial phase. Courtois is likely to start, which could see Real Madrid performing at about 20% of their potential. Bayern Munich, relying on Harry Kane’s performance, might only exhibit 10% of their form.

PSG's Tactical Approach and Key Players

PSG’s Champions League journey has been a rollercoaster, often showcasing less than their potential. Coach Luis Enrique's calm demeanor despite the first-leg setback suggests a strategic confidence in his squad’s ability to overturn the deficit at home. Key players like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar will be crucial, with their attacking prowess expected to challenge Dortmund's defense.

Dembélé’s familiarity with Dortmund and his ability to create chances will be vital. PSG must capitalize on their possession and convert their chances, unlike in the first leg. Defensively, tightening up and avoiding lapses like Mendes' mistake will be essential to prevent Dortmund from scoring on the counter.

Dortmund's Resilience and Strategy

Dortmund, under coach Edin Terzić, showed resilience and tactical awareness in the first leg. Füllkrug’s goal highlighted their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. In the second leg, Dortmund will likely adopt a more defensive strategy, aiming to absorb PSG’s pressure and hit on the counter.

Key players like Jude Bellingham and Marco Reus will need to step up, providing stability in midfield and creativity in attack. Dortmund’s defensive setup must be disciplined to withstand PSG’s attacking onslaught.

Real Madrid's Tactical Nuances and Key Players

Real Madrid’s tactical approach under Ancelotti has been flexible and adaptive. The return of Courtois adds stability at the back, crucial for a team aiming for European glory. Key players like Karim Benzema and Vinícius Júnior will be pivotal in breaking down Bayern's defense.

Ancelotti’s decision-making regarding the goalkeeper position and defensive setup will be critical. Real Madrid must exploit any defensive lapses from Bayern, particularly focusing on Kim Min-jae’s vulnerabilities.

Bayern Munich's Strengths and Weaknesses

Bayern Munich, coached by Thomas Tuchel, demonstrated their attacking capabilities in the first leg but also revealed defensive weaknesses. Harry Kane’s role will be central to their attack, and players like Leroy Sané and Thomas Müller will need to support him effectively.

Defensively, Bayern must address the issues around Kim Min-jae and ensure a cohesive backline. Tuchel’s tactical adjustments and squad rotation will play a significant role in their performance.

Conclusion

As the Champions League semi-finals reach their second leg, the stakes are higher than ever for PSG and Real Madrid. PSG, with Enrique's calm confidence, must overturn a narrow deficit against Dortmund at home. Their attacking talent and home advantage give them a solid chance to advance.

Real Madrid, buoyed by Courtois' return, need to capitalize on their home advantage against Bayern Munich. The tactical decisions by Ancelotti and the performances of key players will determine their fate. Bayern’s ability to address their defensive weaknesses and capitalize on their attacking strengths will be crucial in their quest for a final spot.

Every goal, save, and tactical adjustment will be critical as these teams vie for a place in the Champions League final. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the potential rewards make it all worthwhile.