In a thrilling showdown set to unfold on April 9, 2025, at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona will host Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League (CL) quarter-final clash. As both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals, the anticipation is palpable, with Barcelona expected to leverage their home advantage.
Barcelona, under the astute guidance of manager Hansi Flick, has shown remarkable form this season. Flick, who boasts a perfect record of five wins in five encounters against Dortmund from his tenure at Bayern Munich, has instilled a winning mentality in the squad. Earlier this season, the Catalans faced Dortmund in the league phase of the CL, emerging victorious with a 3-2 win away from home.
Having recently defeated Benfica 4-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, Barcelona is riding high. Their last league match ended in a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, halting a nine-match winning streak, but they remain four points clear at the top of La Liga. Furthermore, they are also chasing a treble, having advanced to the Copa del Rey final.
Conversely, Dortmund advanced past Lille in the round of 16, winning the second leg 2-1 after a 1-1 home draw, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. Currently sitting eighth in the Bundesliga, they are five points adrift of the Champions League qualification zone. However, Dortmund has recently found their rhythm, achieving back-to-back victories against Mainz and Freiburg, scoring three or more goals in each match.
Historically, Barcelona has had the upper hand in their encounters with Dortmund, boasting three wins and two draws. Their last meeting in November 2024 saw Barcelona triumph 3-2, with a late goal from Ferran Torres sealing the victory after a tense match where they were twice pegged back by Dortmund's Sebastien Haller.
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, both sides will be keen to put their best foot forward. Barcelona's predicted lineup features goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, with a defensive line comprising Jules Kounde, Alex Balde, and Inigo Martinez, alongside midfielders Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Raphinha, and star striker Robert Lewandowski leading the attack.
Injuries could impact Barcelona's plans, with ter Stegen, Martinez, and several midfielders sidelined. However, Martinez is reportedly recovering and may be fit to play. The absence of any suspended players means Barcelona can field their strongest lineup.
On the other hand, Dortmund's predicted lineup includes goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, defenders Mats Hummels and Anton, and a midfield featuring Emre Can and Chukwuemeka. With midfielder Felix Gross suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, Dortmund will need to adjust their tactics, especially considering their recent form.
Key players to watch include Barcelona's Raphinha, who leads the league in scoring with 11 goals, and Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi, who has been a standout performer in the Champions League with five goals in eight matches this season. Adeyemi's speed and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses could prove crucial against Barcelona's high line.
Flick's Barcelona has been characterized by an aggressive attacking style, scoring a remarkable 83 goals in La Liga this season, significantly outpacing their rivals. The team's philosophy of "attack is the best defense" has been on full display, with Lewandowski leading the charge with 25 goals, placing him at the top of the scoring charts ahead of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
Despite earlier struggles in the season, including a dip in form that saw them lose to Real Sociedad and suffer consecutive defeats to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona has regained their momentum. Their recent victory in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, where they triumphed 5-2, has further solidified their confidence.
Flick's tactical acumen has been instrumental in maximizing the team's potential, particularly in utilizing young talents from the famed La Masia academy, such as Marc Casado. His ability to adapt and integrate players like Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia into the squad has been commendable, showcasing his commitment to developing a balanced and dynamic team.
As the match approaches, the stakes could not be higher for both teams. Barcelona is determined to continue their quest for glory, while Dortmund aims to pull off an upset and advance to the semi-finals. With both sides in good form and eager to make a statement, fans can expect a captivating contest that could set the tone for the remainder of the Champions League campaign.
Kickoff is set for 28:00 Japan time, and as the players take to the pitch, all eyes will be on this highly anticipated clash between two European giants. Will Barcelona's attacking prowess prevail, or can Dortmund's recent resurgence turn the tide in their favor? Only time will tell as the drama of the Champions League unfolds.
