Skip to content

PSG muzzle BVB in empty stadium to reach Champions League quarters

UEFA - Handout / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Paris Saint-Germain shut out Borussia Dortmund behind closed doors on Wednesday to beat the German side 3-2 on aggregate and reach the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

Neymar and Juan Bernat scored in the 2-0 victory as PSG erased Dortmund's lead from the first leg.

The Parc des Princes was closed to fans because of concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. In an apparent act of defiance, thousands congregated outside the stadium to show their support, setting off fireworks shortly after kick-off and singing loudly as the match went on.

"We really do have the best supporters in the world," PSG CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi said afterward, according to ESPN's Jonathan Johnson.

Neymar opened the scoring in the 28th minute with an uncontested header off a corner kick, and Bernat delivered the decisive blow just before halftime, deflecting Pablo Sarabia's shot into the far corner.

PSG's win came after 90 minutes of hard defensive work. Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos timed interceptions to perfection, often jumping into passing lanes to disrupt Dortmund's buildup play. Edinson Cavani and Sarabia also contributed at the back, and Neymar dropped deep to facilitate play. PSG made 17 blocks, 23 clearances, and 32 tackles in one of their most substantial outings since Thomas Tuchel was hired as manager in 2018.

Dortmund had very little to work with. Only two of their 11 shots hit the target, and one of those came from a considerable distance. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian teenager who scored eight goals in the Champions League this season, failed to register a single shot.

Toward the end of the match, Dortmund's frustrations boiled over. Midfielder Emre Can was sent off after a clash with Neymar.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox