Three takeaways as Borussia Dortmund stun Atletico Madrid to reach Champions League semifinals

Borussia Dortmund set up a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain after upsetting the odds to knock out Atletico Madrid in an enthralling quarterfinal tie. Here are our three takeaways from the game.

Borussia Dortmund show what they are capable of on the biggest stage

The Borussia Dortmund players showed up when it mattered on Tuesday, in what was the team's biggest game of the season. Trailing by a goal, this was a must-win match to keep European hopes alive and I’m both happy and proud to write that the Black and Yellows didn’t disappoint.

Marcel Sabitzer is finding his best form yet this season, proving to be an unlikely difference maker in attack. The Austrian international assisted goals for Niklas Füllkrug and Ian Maatsen, before scoring the winner himself.

Maatsen looked like a completely rejuvenated player after a difficult few games, and scored his very first Champions League goal. Julian Brandt opened the scoring and dictated play in the attacking midfield, while Füllkrug ended his goal drought. Aside from his disastrous own goal, Mats Hummels also did his job really well, winning every single ground duel he faced. Most importantly, however, these players played as a team and for those who watch Borussia Dortmund every week, this team showed levels of synergy and cohesiveness in a way that had seemed impossible for so long this season.

The twelfth man, so to speak, was in full volume in this match. The crowd certainly carried Borussia Dortmund through when Atletico Madrid looked to have regained a foothold on the game. This is a proud day to be a BVB fan.