Barcelona is poised to secure its place in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 3 PM local time. After a resounding 4-0 victory in the first leg at Montjuïc, the "Azulgrana" team enters this matchup with a comfortable advantage, needing only to maintain their lead over the course of the match.
Despite the apparent cushion, the Catalans are not taking their opponents lightly. Borussia Dortmund is known for its resilience, and although they face a daunting task to overturn the deficit, they are determined to put up a fight. Coach Niko Kovac's side is well aware of the uphill battle ahead, especially after their recent 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, where they displayed both skill and grit.
Barcelona's recent form has been impressive, with the team having won 9 of their last 10 league matches. In their last outing, they edged past Leganés with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to an own goal by Jorge Saenz. This victory helped them maintain a solid position in La Liga, where they are currently leading the standings ahead of their rivals, Real Madrid.
However, not all news is good for Barcelona. They will be without Alejandro Balde, who suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend. This absence will likely see Gerard Martin step in as the left-back. The team may also have to navigate the absence of key players such as Dani Olmo and Marc-André ter Stegen, who are still recovering from injuries.
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund welcomes back Pascal Gross, who was suspended for the first leg. His return will add much-needed depth to their midfield as they look to create scoring opportunities. The team will be without Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck, both sidelined with knee injuries, which could impact their defensive solidity.
For Dortmund, the key will be to start strong and capitalize on any chances they create. Serhou Guirassy, who has been a standout performer with 7 goals this season, will lead the line, supported by players like Maximilian Beier and Karim Adeyemi. The home crowd at Signal Iduna Park will undoubtedly play a crucial role in lifting the team's spirits as they seek a miraculous comeback.
The historical context adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Barcelona has dominated their recent encounters with Dortmund, winning three of their last four meetings, including that emphatic first-leg victory. In that match, Barcelona controlled 61% of possession and outshot Dortmund 10-3, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, the stakes couldn't be higher. Barcelona is just one step away from the semifinals, while Dortmund is desperate to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides having their own motivations and challenges.
Kick-off is set for 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET in the United States, and fans can catch the action live on various platforms, including Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, and Univision. As anticipation builds, the question remains: can Dortmund pull off a stunning comeback, or will Barcelona cement their place in the next round?
In terms of betting odds, Barcelona is favored at 1.83, indicating a strong likelihood of victory, while Dortmund stands as the underdog at 3.75. The odds suggest that a high-scoring game could be on the cards, with the "Both Teams to Score" market trading at 1.44.
In summary, as the clock ticks down to kick-off, all eyes will be on Signal Iduna Park. Barcelona aims to continue their strong form and advance in the Champions League, while Borussia Dortmund seeks to defy the odds and mount a comeback that would be remembered for years to come.
