FC Barcelona has advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2018/19 season, despite a nail-biting finish in their second leg against Borussia Dortmund. After a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg, the Catalan giants faced a formidable challenge in the return match held on April 15, 2025. Borussia Dortmund, buoyed by their home crowd, started strong and took an early lead, eventually winning the match 3-1.
The match began with an unexpected twist as Wojciech Szczęsny, the Barcelona goalkeeper, committed a foul that led to a penalty for Dortmund, which they converted to take a 1-0 lead. The pressure was on Barcelona, who, despite their significant aggregate lead, found themselves in a precarious position. Borussia continued to press and doubled their advantage shortly after, making it 2-0 by the start of the second half.
Barcelona’s fans were left holding their breath, as the German side’s resurgence made the match intensely competitive. However, the aggregate score still favored Barcelona, who had a comfortable cushion from their first-leg performance. Robert Lewandowski, who had been a standout player in the earlier match with two goals, was unable to find the net this time around.
As the game progressed, Borussia Dortmund managed to score a third goal, finishing the match 3-1, but it was not enough to overturn Barcelona's 4-3 aggregate lead. The tension in the stadium was palpable, with fans on both sides witnessing a thrilling contest that kept them on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Reflecting on the match, Szczęsny took to Instagram early the next morning to share his thoughts. He wrote, "Not the result we wanted, but enough to secure a place in the semi-final. Thanks for the support so far." His post was accompanied by photos of the team and moments from the match, showcasing the camaraderie and resilience of the squad.
This victory not only secures Barcelona's place in the semi-finals but also brings significant financial rewards. The club has already earned a staggering 116.563 million euros this season, with an additional 7 million euros coming from better-than-expected results in the league phase. Furthermore, Barcelona will benefit from the 'market pool,' which includes revenues from television rights and sponsorships, adding another 22.44 million euros to their coffers.
Joan Laporta, the club's president, expressed relief and satisfaction with the financial boost, especially given the challenges faced in recent months, including the need for financial 'levers' and complex player registrations. The success on the field is crucial for the club as they navigate these financial hurdles.
Barcelona's path to the semi-finals has been marked by impressive performances, including their previous round where they eliminated Benfica Lisbon with a 1-0 away victory followed by a 4-1 home win. Raphinha has emerged as a key player for Barcelona, leading the Champions League scoring chart with 12 goals and 7 assists, while Lewandowski follows closely with 11 goals.
Looking ahead, Barcelona is set to face the winner of the Bayern Munich versus Inter Milan match, where Inter Milan currently leads 2-1 from the first leg. The upcoming semi-final presents another opportunity for Barcelona to chase multiple trophies this season, heightening the excitement among their supporters.
As the dust settles from this thrilling encounter, Barcelona can take pride in their resilience and determination. The club has shown that they can withstand pressure and emerge victorious, even when the odds seem stacked against them. With a strong squad and a passionate fanbase, the Catalan giants are poised for a deep run in this year’s Champions League.
In conclusion, while the match against Borussia Dortmund was a rollercoaster of emotions, it ultimately ended in a triumph for FC Barcelona. They have not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also set themselves up for a potentially historic season. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this exciting journey.
