• Champions League

Sports Desk, Apr 17 (EFE).-

Borussia Dortmund recorded a stunning 4-2 victory over Atletico de Madrid and qualified for the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 11 years with a 5-4 aggregate win on Tuesday.

Facing a 2-1 deficit following their defeat in Madrid, Dortmund had no choice but to go for a goal from the beginning and were denied an early opener by Cesar Azpilicueta, who blocked a shot from Marcel Sabitzer.

Alvaro Morata raced clear moments later but ended up sending his shot narrowly wide.

Despite dominating possession, Dortmund were missing the cutting edge until Julian Brandt broke the deadlock just after the half-hour.

Mats Hummels sent a magnificent pass into the path of the 27-year-old, who raced past Axel Witsel before firing a low left-footed drive beyond Jan Oblak, who got a hand to the ball, but that was enough to keep it out.

Just five minutes later, Dortmund got what they needed—a second goal to take the lead on aggregate.

Upon receiving a pass from Sabitzer, Ian Maatsen surged into the penalty area and drilled low into the bottom corner from a tight angle, making the scoreline 2-0.

Diego Simeone made three substitutions at the beginning of the second half and was rewarded with a goal, albeit by a stroke of luck as Mario Hermoso’s header from a corner of Antoine Griezmann struck the outstretched leg of Hummels on its way into the net.

Angel Correa restored Atletico’s overall advantage, lashing onto a loose ball after Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel had kept out Rodrigo Riquelme’s drive in the 64th minute.

Dortmund managed to level the tie once more just seven minutes later as Brandt’s pass down the flank picked out Sabitzer, whose pinpoint pass near the post was met by Niclas Fullkrug’s deft header that flew into the net.

Sabitzer sealed the game with a low effort into the far corner three minutes later, after Fullkrug’s shot had been initially blocked by Jose Gimenez.

“I’m extremely happy, extremely proud. The atmosphere today was extremely good. We had two moments that could have set us back, but we were strong and deserved to progress in the end,” said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.

Atletico’s Simeone had no complaint.

“The team tried until the end to win a game that at all times was the opposite of what we wanted,” he said.

“Dortmund reacted well to us, making it 2-2, and won the game precisely because they were more forceful in the area.”

Dortmund will face Paris Saint-Germain, who beat Barcelona 6-4 on aggregate, in the semifinal. EFE