Borussia Dortmund has established themselves as a formidable force at home in UEFA Champions League knockout matches.
Their recent record shows resilience, with just one loss in their last five such encounters.
The lone defeat came against Manchester City in April 2021, coinciding with their last quarterfinal appearance.
PSV Eindhoven, on the other hand, has had a mixed run in Champions League knockout ties.
Even after the successful outings in the earlier stages, their advancement has been limited, with only one progression out of their last six such ties, dating back to their victory over Arsenal in the 2006-07 season.
Dortmund’s dominance on home soil was evident once again, extending their unbeaten streak in the UEFA Champions League to nine games.
This streak, their longest since the late 1990s, underscores their prowess and resilience at Signal Iduna Park.
Despite PSV’s efforts, they couldn’t convert their numerous chances into goals. With 17 shots attempted, their highest in a Champions League match without scoring since 2008, it was a frustrating night for the Dutch side.
The match’s early excitement came courtesy of Jadon Sancho, who netted Dortmund’s quickest UEFA Champions League goal since 2014.
Sancho’s contribution highlights his importance to the team, especially in home fixtures, where he has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven Champions League appearances.
Marco Reus added to Dortmund’s lead with his 24th UEFA Champions League goal for the club.
Since his debut in the competition in 2012, only Thomas Müller has scored more goals among German players, showcasing Reus’ significance and consistency.
Julian Brandt continues to be a key figure for Dortmund, as evidenced by his involvement in 19 goals across all competitions this season.
This season marks one of his best performances, with only one previous campaign surpassing his current tally.
Dortmund’s victory over PSV not only secures their passage to the quarterfinals but also underscores their dominance at home and the contributions of key players like Sancho, Reus, and Brandt.
As they continue their quest for European glory, Dortmund’s journey in the Champions League promises further excitement and anticipation.