Borussia Dortmund gears up to leverage their formidable home record in the Uefa Champions League as they prepare to face PSV Eindhoven Today, eyeing a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in three seasons.
The first leg clash in the Netherlands marked PSV’s return to the Champions League knockout stage after an eight-year hiatus.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with former PSV forward Donyell Malen scoring for the visitors with a deflected shot in the 24th minute. However, PSV’s advantage was neutralized by a Luuk de Jong penalty in the second half, after Malik Tillman was fouled by Mats Hummels.
While Dortmund boasts an impressive record of reaching the round of 16 for the ninth time overall and the fifth in six seasons, recent history has seen them falter in three of their last four last-16 ties.
They haven’t progressed to the quarterfinals since the 2020/21 season. On the other hand, PSV, making their fifth appearance at this stage, are aiming to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2006/07.
Dortmund topped Group F this season, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United, while PSV finished second in Group B behind Arsenal.
ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League Today: Atletico Madrid v Inter Milan
Key Match Facts:
Borussia Dortmund remains unbeaten in all three of their European encounters with PSV, winning one and drawing two.
PSV has struggled in away games against German sides, failing to win in their last 16 matches since December 1977.
Dortmund has a strong record of progressing to the next round when avoiding defeat in the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie.
PSV has endured a winless streak in their last six away games in the Champions League knockout rounds since 2004-05.
Dortmund’s home form in the Champions League has been solid, with an unbeaten run in their last eight home games.
PSV seeks to reach the Champions League quarterfinals for only the third time in their history.
Players to Watch: Jadon Sancho for Dortmund and Luuk de Jong for PSV, who became the club’s highest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League with his penalty goal in the first leg.
As both teams gear up for this crucial second leg, the spotlight falls on Signal Iduna Park, where Dortmund aims to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
