How strong is Borussia Dortmund ahead of facing PSG in the Champions League semi-finals?

In the upcoming Champions League semi-finals, PSG is set to clash with Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be an epic showdown. With just a fortnight remaining until the first leg kicks off, let's delve deeper into the current scenario in North Rhine-Westphalia.

During the quarter-final draw of the Champions League, many pundits believed that Paris Saint-Germain had a clear path to the next round. Similarly, Borussia Dortmund, PSG's semi-final opponent, was considered a formidable but conquerable adversary.

Presently occupying the fifth position in the Bundesliga, Dortmund presents a challenge that PSG could potentially overcome to secure a spot in the Champions League final for the second time in its history. With 56 points, Dortmund stands level with RB Leipzig in the league standings.

Across 29 matches, Edin Terzic's side has clinched 16 victories, secured 8 draws, and suffered 5 defeats. However, Dortmund's record against the top 6 teams in the league hasn't been stellar, with 5 losses, 2 wins, and 2 draws.

Additionally, the battle for the last Champions League qualification spot for the following season remains unsettled between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund. The two teams are scheduled to face each other on April 27th, just three days before Dortmund's first-leg clash against PSG.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart sits comfortably in third place, leading its closest pursuers by 7 points with only 5 matches left in the Bundesliga season.

How strong is Borussia Dortmund ahead of facing PSG in the Champions League semi-finals?

A closer look at Borussia Dortmund's schedule and league position reveals that Edin Terzic's squad still has unfinished business in the league. Securing the fourth spot, the last qualifying position for the Champions League remains uncertain due to the intense competition with RB Leipzig. In the DFB-Pokal, Dortmund's cup run came to an end after a 2-0 defeat to Stuttgart in the round of 16.

Regarding Dortmund's squad, captain Emre Can and his teammates are dealing with the absence of Ramy Bensebaini, who suffered an internal ligament injury while on international duty with Algeria. However, Ian Maatsen has stepped up admirably in the left-back position.

Sebastien Haller has struggled to regain form since his ankle injury following his success with Ivory Coast at the 2024 AFCON. Donyell Malen is another key player currently sidelined with a knee injury, missing crucial matches in April and remaining doubtful for future fixtures. The recovery of these players will be closely monitored as Dortmund heads into the semi-finals.

Despite these setbacks, Dortmund boasts a formidable attacking lineup featuring Niclas Fullkrug, Karim Adeyemi, Jadon Sancho, and Julian Brandt. These players have been instrumental in Dortmund's recent successes, including notable wins against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

With PSG awaiting them in the semi-finals, Dortmund will need all hands on deck to overcome their formidable opponents. PSG and Borussia Dortmund have a storied history, with PSG holding a slight edge in their past encounters.