KARIM Adeyemi, the Germany international with Nigerian heritage, was one of the standout players tonight for Borussia Dortmund as they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
The 22-year-old, who was born in Munich to a Romanian mother and Nigerian father, was brilliant from the left wing for the German side, both offensively and defensively, and was crucial to the victory.
Niklas Fullkrug struck the game’s only goal in the 36th minute to give Borussia Dortmund a slight advantage ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg in Paris.
Dortmund were solid defensively, keeping the visitors at bay for most of the first half before catching them on the break.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s long ball from defence was perfectly controlled by his Germany teammate Fullkrug, who fired home past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after a perfect first touch.
PSG were more threatening in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi hitting the post in quick succession, while former Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele missed a glorious opportunity.
Apart from Adeyemi, who was substituted off in the 83rd minute after running his socks off, the Dortmund defence and Jason Sancho (especially in the second half) also posted excellent performances for the hosts.
Dortmund would reach their first Champions League final since 2013 if they avoid defeat in Paris on Tuesday, with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid waiting.
