Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League aspirations were dealt a blow on Tuesday after a controversial penalty decision awarded PSV Eindhoven a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Donyell Malen’s brilliant strike for the visitors was canceled out by a Luuk de Jong penalty in the 56th minute, a decision that left Dortmund players and staff fuming.
Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who challenged Malik Tillman before the penalty was awarded, vehemently disputed the call. “Zero percent penalty, zero,” he stated. “I clearly got to the ball first, changed its course, then minimal contact. No defender in the world would award this penalty.”
Hummels’ frustration extended beyond the incident, lamenting what he perceived as a trend of unfavorable officiating. “That is the second ridiculous penalty awarded against us in the Champions League after the one at Paris St Germain,” he declared. “I don’t understand the referees at the moment.”
Dortmund were defeated 2-0 in Paris, with Kylian Mbappe scoring from the spot after a controversial handball decision. Hummels emphasized his belief that stricter penalty calls were hindering defenders. “Penalties are being awarded for situations that are not even fouls when they happen in midfield,” he asserted.
Despite their anger, Dortmund remain in control of the tie ahead of the return leg at home on March 13th. Sports director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged the referee’s final say, stating, “We asked him, but for him it was a clear-cut situation.” He continued, “This is a very painful situation for us, but we have the chance to make things right in three weeks.”
Head coach Edin Terzic echoed the need to move forward. “We cannot change it, it’s part of the game,” he said. “We now have the chance to focus on what we control and make things right in the return leg.”
While the controversial penalty decision has ignited debate, Dortmund must utilize their home advantage and channel their frustration into a dominant performance to progress to the next stage of the Champions League.