Cup Semifinals Roundup: Decisive Dortmund Stun Toothless Bayern, PSG Hammer Weakened Monaco
Reuters / Michael Dalder
Cup semifinals in the midweek saw heavyweights in Germany and France clash, as Bayern hosted Dortmund while PSG welcomed the high flying Monaco.
Here is how the matches panned out:
Bayern Munich 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
The two biggest clubs in Germany had to battle it out at Allianz Arena with the final of DFB Cup in sights. The clash proved to be a goal-scoring thriller played at a pulsating rate. Both the teams went through highs and lows, before Dortmund claimed a priceless victory to seal their place in the DFB Cup final.
Coming back from an injury, Marco Reus had put Dortmund in front in the 19th minute before Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels scored to give Bayern a 2-1 lead at the half time.
Thomas Tuchel’s side came out fighting in the second half and their efforts paid off with a goal by Aubameyang in the 69th minute of the match – now Dortmund were level. French wonderkid Dembele then nestled the ball wonderfully into the top corner in 74th minute, which proved to be decisive as Dortmund won the game 3-2.
Dortmund will play Eintracht Frankfurt in the final of DFB Cup.
PSG 5- 0 AS Monaco
REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
The league leaders Monaco traveled to Parc Des Princes for the semifinal of French Cup. With a tough Champions League semifinal against Juventus in the offing, Monaco boss Leanardo Jardim fielded a weakened team full of reserves as no first team player, except Raggi, started the game.
PSG, who were at full strength, dominated the match from the first whistle to the last as they hammered the inexperienced Monaco side 5-0.
Julian Draxler and Cavani scored in the first half to give PSG a 2-0 lead at the break. The rout continued in the second half when Monaco’s Mbae scored an unfortunate own goal in 50th minute, just 2 minutes later Matuidi made it 4-0. Brazilian ball playing defender Marquinhos completed the battering by scoring the 5th in the last minute of the match.
PSG will play Angers in the final of the French Cup.
Written by Shorya Panwar. Tweet to get in touch with him.