Didier Deschamps, the France coach, has witnessed Mats Hummels’ knack for elevating his performance in crucial matches. At the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal at Maracana, Hummels scored a pivotal goal for Germany against France. On Tuesday, Deschamps watched from the stands at Parc des Princes as Hummels dealt a blow to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a 50th-minute header.
Hummels’ first goal of the 2023-24 Champions League campaign propelled Borussia Dortmund to an unlikely destination—the Champions League final at Wembley, a reprise of the 2013 match. Dortmund players rushed to celebrate with their fans, while Kylian Mbappe stood motionless, reminiscent of being stranded amidst rush hour traffic. Cameras captured the poignant embrace between manager Edin Terzic and Hummels, a testament to their journey.
At 35 years of age, Hummels has been a pillar of consistency for Dortmund in the Champions League, providing a bedrock in a season overshadowed by the looming threat of losing the 2022-23 Bundesliga title in the final moments. Despite finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, Dortmund still secured a berth in the expanded Champions League next season. Terzic, who was initially criticized for his inability to develop a distinctive style, has proven his tactical prowess.
In the first leg against PSG, Terzic’s strategy aimed to force the ball behind their defense. PSG encountered a relentless pressing defense that compelled them to play away from Mbappe. Statistics reveal that 45% of PSG’s attacks originated from the right flank, with 33% coming from the left. Furthermore, only a manager who commands the unwavering support of his players could inspire the collective defensive effort exhibited by Dortmund en route to the final. After securing their place in the final, Terzic acknowledged the team’s teamwork and a touch of luck.
Hummels was at the heart of Dortmund’s defensive fortitude. He dispossessed Mbappe in the fifth minute, shielding the ball under pressure, and delivering it to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the eighth minute. In the 20th minute, he intercepted a delivery between Goncalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembele. His sliding tackle denied Mbappe a shot in the 35th minute, showcasing an exceptional defensive intervention. Hummels also cleared his lines in the 91st minute, echoing his performance in the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal, where he scored with a back-of-the-head goal.
Hummels returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2019, having been an integral part of the club from 2008 to 2016, winning the Bundesliga, World Cup, reaching the European Championship semi-final, and appearing in a Champions League final. Along with Marco Reus, who will retire at the end of the season, Hummels will have another opportunity to secure Champions League redemption. Reus has declined offers from other clubs, remaining a constant presence for the past 12 years with 425 matches, 168 goals, and 128 assists. CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has emphasized Reus’ extraordinary connection with Borussia Dortmund.
PSG rattled the framework four times in the second half through Warren Zaire-Emery, Nuno Mendes, Mbappe, and Vitinha, mirroring their performance in Dortmund. Manager Luis Enrique remarked that such outcomes depend on divine intervention. PSG had 44 attempts over two legs but failed to score. Mbappé acknowledged their inefficiency, which hindered their progression. Despite 25 off-target shots, this match was anticipated to be Mbappé’s defining moment, one that would be remembered long after he relocated to another capital city. However, Dortmund successfully contained Mbappé, keeping him away from the areas where he thrives. As Argentina can attest, this is a challenging feat, as Mbappé has contributed 42% of PSG’s Champions League goals this season.
Dortmund’s victory serves as a reminder that the outcome of such matches can shift dramatically. Hummels’ goal came just three minutes after Zaire-Emery struck the upright. Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi combined for 28 crosses, but PSG’s youthful squad (the youngest starting 11 in a Champions League semi-final since Arsenal in 2009, with an average age of 24 years and 157 days) ultimately fell short.
Dortmund’s triumph in Paris will be etched in their memory. “No one will question how we won the game tomorrow. Shots against the post won’t matter tomorrow. Nobody expected this. It’s just incredible,” said Reus, capturing the essence of the remarkable night in Paris.
