The pre-match atmosphere suggested an intense start from there home side but in the event Paris struggled to get going, Dortmund’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking enterprise keeping them well in check. And Dortmund came closer to extending their lead than Paris did to equalize it, Karim Adeyemi forcing a decent save from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first half’s best moment.
Though Warren Zaire-Emery hit the post shortly after the break, Dortmund were the in ascendancy when, on 50 minutes, Hummels scored what always felt like the clinching goal, heading home powerfully when picked out at the back post by Julian Brandt.
Paris upped the pace thereafter, hitting bar and post a further three times. But led by Hummels and the equally excellent Nico Schlotterbeck, Dortmund were always in relative control and fully deserved a win inspired by Edin Terzic’s tactical masterclass.
So Kylian Mbappe looks set to depart his hometown club having failed to win the Champions League, while Dortmund will feel confident of concluding what could be one of the great cup runs – with good reason. Whoever they meet, we’re in for a treat.
