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Neymar, PSG Top Dortmund in Leg 2, Advance to Champions League Quarterfinals
March 11, 2020
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.
Neymar broke the deadlock after 28 minutes when he took advantage of poor marking from Angel Di Maria's corner.
Juan Bernat poked home a second on the stroke of half-time, with Dortmund struggling to match the home side's vigour.
The Germans failed to work their way back into the game in the second half, and the match ended with Emre Can seeing red after pushing Neymar to the floor.
A near-empty stadium welcomed the sides due to measures to prevent an escalation of the coronavirus, but large crowds were present outside the Parc des Princes. Kylian Mbappe started on the bench after dealing with a throat infection.
BVB appeared content to defend their 2-1 lead from the first leg, but this played into PSG's hands as they confidently retained the ball.
The Germans initially appeared dangerous on the counter-attack. Erling Haaland nearly gave the visitors a lead against the run of play, but it was a set piece that provided PSG with a deserved goal.
Neymar was left unmarked from a corner, and the Brazilian icon nodded home from close range with the stationary Dortmund defence contributing to the diving header in the six-yard box.
It was a bad moment for the Bundesliga side. Their lack of discipline was punished, and PSG seemed intent on scoring again.
The Parisians had the control they desired. Jadon Sancho showed bursts of energy, but it wasn't enough to deny a second from PSG just before the interval.
Bernat was in the correct spot in the box after an impressive PSG passing move. The Spain international extended his foot to connect with a delicate touch from Pablo Sarabia's cross, and the ball nestled inside the far post past BVB goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Dortmund were out of the blocks quickly in the second half, desperate to net the goal that would level the score on aggregate.
However, PSG retained possession for long periods with ease, and BVB found it difficult to stretch the game and hurt the French champions.
Mbappe rose from the bench after 64 minutes. Dortmund began to ask questions in the final moments, but they failed to produce their attacking best.
Can was given a red card in the closing stages after pushing Neymar to the floor when the pair squared up to each other, and it was the hosts who were celebrating wildly at the final whistle.
What's Next
BVB welcome Schalke in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while PSG host Nice in Ligue 1 on Sunday.