Dortmund players escape with a fright: 'In the end, they had a giant opportunity'

In an intense Champions League match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Borussia Dortmund managed to secure their place in the quarterfinals, but not without facing significant pressure from PSV Eindhoven.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighted by moments of brilliance, missed opportunities, and a contentious decision that left one player particularly aggrieved.

Coach Edin Terzic, in his post-match interview with DAZN, lauded his team for delivering what he considered their best thirty minutes of the season during the first half of the match. Terzic praised the team's initial performance, emphasizing the missed opportunities that could have given Dortmund a more comfortable lead. However, he also noted a shift in momentum after the break, where the team's play transitioned more towards defense. Despite this, Terzic expressed pride in how well his team managed to hold off PSV, emphasizing the significance of the night and what it meant for the club to progress in the tournament.

Midfielder Emre Can provided a player's perspective on the nail-biting conclusion of the match. He highlighted a particularly heart-stopping moment when PSV came close to equalizing towards the end. Can admitted that if PSV had capitalized on their "huge chance," the game could have ended in a draw, potentially altering the course of the tournament for Dortmund. Reflecting on the team's overall performance, Can believed they could have approached the second half with more courage but ultimately felt relieved and excited about advancing to the quarterfinals.

Niclas Füllkrug experienced a personal moment of disappointment when a goal he believed to have scored was disallowed due to an offside call. Füllkrug contested the decision, arguing the margins were incredibly tight and questioning the consistency of offside rulings, particularly regarding what constitutes offside related to a player's shoulder. Despite his frustration, Füllkrug acknowledged the importance of the team's victory and progression to the next round, expressing a sense of invincibility that comes from playing in front of Dortmund's passionate fans. The atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, known for its intensity, was highlighted as a significant advantage that makes it daunting for any visiting team.

This match encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of top-level European football, with Borussia Dortmund showcasing resilience and skill to overcome challenges and keep their Champions League ambitions alive. The mix of tactical prowess displayed by Terzic, the players' reflections on their performance, and the crucial moments that defined the match's outcome underscore the high stakes and intense pressure that come with competing on one of football's biggest stages.