Down a goal late in Tuesday’s clash with the reigning Champions League winners, Borussia Dortmund needed a spark. If there was any hope in sealing a point at home, the German club needed someone to make a play.
That someone was Christian Pulisic.
The young American went into Tuesday’s Champions League group stage match and shined from the first minute. The U.S. Men’s National Team winger took on defender several times, leaving the Real Madrid backline on its heels. Then, with moments remaining, Pulisic set up the moment Dortmund needed, as his cross into the box found its way to Andre Schurrle for the game-tying goal.
Even in the Champions League against one of the world’s best teams, Pulisic says both he and his team have the confidence to compete in any match. That confidence was on full display on Tuesday afternoon.
“It was an amazing game to come into, especially because the level was so high,” Pulisic said after the draw. “It was such an intense game. I was excited to get in there and show what I can do to try to help the team. What a goal to score in that moment in that stadium against a good opponent. It was a great feeling for the both of us, for everyone.”
“There’s no better feeling. Playing in the Champions League is a whole other sense of pride. You watch it as a kid and coming on in such a big game, it’s incredible. I can’t describe it.”
With Tuesday’s performance, Pulisic further solidified his position within his club. After seemingly moving down the pecking order to start the season, Pulisic has made himself possible to ignore while scoring three goals and providing three assists in just nine total appearances.
“That’s the goal when you want to play professional soccer,” Pulisic said. “You want to get to the highest level you can and that’s how you get better. As such a young player, you want to play at the highest level so I can improve and be the best player I can be.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aAEz1_3b7s