Barcelona`s strong season continues as they prepare to host Borussia Dortmund this Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
Barcelona, like several other quarterfinalists, still have the possibility of winning three major titles this season. Under Hansi Flick`s guidance, the team has been revitalized and is considered a serious contender for their first Champions League title in ten years. Key players such as Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha have consistently performed at a high level and are expected to play crucial roles on Wednesday. They will need to compensate for the absence of Dani Olmo, who is sidelined with a minor thigh injury.
For Dortmund, the Champions League represents their last opportunity to salvage something significant from an otherwise disappointing season. Niko Kovac took over as manager in January, replacing Nuri Sahin, and has brought some stability. However, Dortmund currently sits eighth in the Bundesliga and faces the risk of missing out on European competition next season. Their squad will be weakened for Wednesday`s match due to Pascal Gross`s suspension and injuries to Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck, both of whom were starters in last year`s Champions League final.
Match Details
- Teams: Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal, First Leg
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -290; Draw +440; Borussia Dortmund +650
Previous Encounter
The last time these two teams met was in the group stage, where Barcelona secured a narrow 3-2 victory in Dortmund. The first half was scoreless, but Raphinha opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Dortmund quickly responded with an equalizer from Serhou Guirassy just seven minutes later. Ferran Torres put Barcelona ahead again in the 75th minute, but Guirassy equalized once more from a penalty three minutes later. Ultimately, Torres scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 85th minute.
Barcelona`s Perspective
The upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund will be Barcelona`s fifth game in a two-week period, marking the midpoint of a demanding stretch of nine games in 29 days. Their recent 1-1 draw against Real Betis was their first setback during this period, but it didn`t significantly harm their La Liga aspirations thanks to Real Madrid`s defeat on the same day. Fatigue from this congested schedule might be affecting Barcelona, but manager Hansi Flick seems focused on getting through each game.
Flick commented after the Betis match that he was content with the draw, emphasizing that they gained a point while having played one less game than their rivals. He acknowledged that some games are challenging when opponents defend deeply, but praised his team`s efforts and substitutions in the second half.
It`s expected that Flick will rely on several players who started against Betis for the Dortmund game, including Lewandowski and Yamal. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is also likely to start both Champions League quarterfinal matches, even though Marc-Andre ter Stegen has resumed training. Ter Stegen, Barcelona`s usual first-choice goalkeeper before a patella tendon injury in September, aims to return to playing soon but hasn`t specified a date.
Ter Stegen mentioned in a recent interview that he feels physically better than ever after six months of recovery and is eager to play. He expressed confidence in his team and stated he would inform the coach when he feels ready to return.
Borussia Dortmund`s Viewpoint
Dortmund acknowledges they are the underdogs in this matchup, especially with Schlotterbeck`s season-ending meniscus injury. They performed well in their 4-1 victory against Freiburg without him, but facing Barcelona, a Champions League favorite, presents a much greater challenge.
The high stakes of this European tie have prompted reflection from Dortmund captain Emre Can, who has been trying to understand Dortmund`s inconsistent season.
Can stated in a recent interview that he doesn`t believe there`s a general attitude problem within the team, but suggested that some players might subconsciously believe that 99% effort is sufficient in the Bundesliga, which is not the case. He feels players might be over-relying on teammates instead of pushing themselves further, and this mentality needs to change in every match.
However, this doesn`t mean Dortmund lacks ambition. Can clarified that while they may not be a top-tier team currently, they are a big club with aspirations to win titles.
Projected Starting Lineups
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Pascal Gross, Julian Brandt, Daniel Svensson, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi
Key Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: While several Barcelona players are having excellent seasons, Lamine Yamal is rapidly becoming the focal point as the team seeks its next superstar. In just his second full professional season, the 17-year-old has already contributed 13 goals and 17 assists, making a significant impact in both important and less critical games. Barcelona is expected to aim for a comfortable first-leg victory to manage their busy schedule, and Yamal is anticipated to be a key player in ensuring they stay on track for their Champions League ambition.
Key Storyline
Barcelona`s Busy Schedule: Barcelona will have most of their key players available, but the main question is whether they will be at their peak performance level. The congested fixture list is significantly impacting Barcelona at a crucial point in the season, adding complexity to their pursuit of three trophies. While it might be risky to bet against Barcelona even when fatigued, it`s worth considering if this lack of rest could provide an opportunity for a Dortmund team with less pressure.
Match Prediction
Despite the challenges of fixture congestion, Barcelona, even if slightly tired, should still have enough quality to overcome a Dortmund side that hasn`t replicated their impressive form from last season`s Champions League run to the final. While it might not be their most dominant performance, Barcelona is expected to secure a victory and establish a solid advantage in the first leg. Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1
