- author, michael emmons
- role, bbc sports
Despite a disappointing domestic season, Borussia Dortmund are one game away from being crowned European champions for the second time in their history.
Edin Terzic's side put in a great team performance in Tuesday's semi-final second leg to beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 and win 2-0 on aggregate.
Dortmund, who are fifth in the Bundesliga, will face fellow German team Bayern Munich or Spanish champions Real Madrid in the final to be held at Wembley on June 1st.
Defender Mats Hummels, who scored the only goal at the Parc des Princes, feels confident of his team winning the Champions League for the first time since 1997.
“Since the second leg of the group stage we believed we could win, but I don't see why we can't win at Wembley,” the 35-year-old said. “We were able to significantly increase the pace of the game and bring out the atmosphere in the stadium. That was the secret to our success.
“He has scored only five goals in the Champions League during his career, which is too few. Now is a good time to increase that number.”
Hummels was part of Dortmund's 2-1 loss to Bayern in May 2013, the last time Wembley hosted a Champions League final.
He contributed to his team's excellent defensive performance as French champions PSG were unable to find a breakthrough despite hitting the wood six times with both feet.
Dortmund forward Marco Reus added: “We suffered a lot, but no one will ask tomorrow how we won the game.” The club's last game in 12 years could be played at Wembley.
“Shots hitting the post won't be a problem tomorrow. The important thing is that Borussia Dortmund can reach the final again. No one expected this. It's really incredible.”
image source, Characteristics of Rex
Dortmund were divided into a tough group with PSG, AC Milan and Newcastle, but Terzic's team finished in first place, losing to PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 and Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves told TNT Sports: “No one expected Dortmund to be in the group of death. Dortmund were the weakest team but they had some big wins.” .
“Dortmund has found a way to survive without their superstar. Terzic has done a great job of finding a solution.”
Former Scotland international striker Ally McCoist, also on TNT Sport, described Dortmund's play as a “tactical masterclass”, adding: “What a fantastic performance over 180 minutes. Dortmund were organized and had one or two chances. “We knew we were going to get a chance and our two centre-backs were great too.” It was outstanding.
“They did enough dangerous things during the break and it was a victory for the football world. I'm excited for Dortmund, they play for each other. We're excited about how they played with the fans. I've had relationships with them and I've seen them celebrate with their fans. They're a proper club.”
Coach Terzic was happy that his team was able to give back to their supporters after that heartbreak. “I'm happy to be able to give back to our fans. We've grown with each game and realized that we can become a team that will surprise everyone in the end.'' Told.
“Before the first game against PSV, we talked about how short the journey to London was. This is a very proud moment for us and the dream is not over yet.”
