Barcelona is on the brink of a Champions League semi-final berth after a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead against Borussia Dortmund, as they prepare for the second leg of their quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The Spanish giants, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, displayed their attacking prowess in the first leg at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, where goals from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Robert Lewandowski sealed a dominant victory.
As Barcelona travels to Germany, they will face a Dortmund side eager to turn the tide in front of their passionate supporters at Signal Iduna Park. The German club is without their captain Emre Can due to injury, which has forced coach Niko Kovac to make changes in defense. Niklas Suele steps in for Can, while Julian Ryerson, Julian Brandt, Jamie Gittens, and Carney Chukwuemeka have been dropped from the squad.
Flick has opted to rest midfielder Pedri for this crucial match, making three changes to the team that triumphed in the first leg. Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Gerard Martin will be in the starting lineup, while Inigo Martinez and Pedri will provide depth from the bench. Despite the changes, Barcelona's attacking trio of Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha remains unchanged, boasting a combined total of 27 goals in this season's Champions League.
The match is set to kick off at 9 p.m. CEST local time in Germany, which translates to 8 p.m. BST in the UK, 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 5 a.m. AEST in Australia on Wednesday morning.
While Barcelona holds a significant advantage, Dortmund is not ready to concede. The team drew 2-2 against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in their last outing, a result that has instilled some confidence in Kovac's squad. "The fans are our heartbeat," Kovac said, emphasizing the importance of their support in this uphill battle. With over 300,000 ticket requests submitted for this match, the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park is expected to be electric, as the famed Yellow Wall prepares to create a cauldron of noise.
"We need them roaring from the first whistle. Their energy, combined with our fight and desire, can make anything possible," Kovac added, highlighting the deep connection between the team and its supporters. Dortmund fans have a storied reputation for turning matches into unforgettable battles, and Kovac is urging his players to match that intensity. "We have to run, fight, and show passion. Only then will we harness the power of this stadium and give ourselves a chance," he stated.
On the other hand, Barcelona remains unfazed by the daunting atmosphere they will encounter in Germany. Flick is focused on finishing the job, stating, "We respect Dortmund and their fans, but we're here to finish the job." The first leg showcased Barcelona's attacking capabilities, with Lewandowski and Yamal proving to be a nightmare for the Dortmund defense.
As the match approaches, the stakes are high for both sides. For Barcelona, a win would secure their place in the semi-finals, while Dortmund will be fighting for survival in a competition where they were runners-up last season. The combination of Barcelona's ruthless form and Dortmund's passionate supporters sets the stage for a thrilling encounter.
American soccer fans can catch the action live via Paramount Plus, which holds exclusive streaming rights for the UEFA Champions League in the US. In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 1 HD channels, while Canadian viewers can stream the game through DAZN Canada. Australian fans can follow the match on Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the football world will be watching closely to see if Dortmund can mount a comeback or if Barcelona will assert their dominance and secure a place in the next round. With the passion of the fans and the intensity of the match, anything is possible in the Champions League.
