FC Barcelona heads into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund with a commanding 4-0 lead, secured during a dominant performance at home last week. The match, set to take place at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET, will see Barcelona aiming to maintain their momentum as they seek a place in the semi-finals.
In the first leg, Barcelona showcased their attacking prowess with goals from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Robert Lewandowski, who returns to his former club where he played from 2010 to 2014. The Polish striker's form has been a highlight of Barcelona's season, adding to his impressive tally of 36 goals across LaLiga and UCL fixtures.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the return leg, emphasizing the importance of motivation as the season reaches its climax. "I have a lot of faith in this team. We have gone through a lot of games without losing and we should be proud of that. I can't complain about a single one of my players. This team is incredible. We have worked hard all season and the players are fit and in good form, and motivation is always important in the final part of the season when you need that little bit extra," Flick stated during a pre-match press conference.
On the other side, Borussia Dortmund faces a daunting task. Manager Niko Kovac is dealing with injury concerns, particularly regarding club captain Emre Can, who has been struggling with muscular issues in the adductor area. "He has played through gritted teeth time and again, and that is something that needs to be highlighted," Kovac remarked, indicating that Can missed the last training session before the crucial match.
The odds heavily favor Barcelona, with Sky Bet listing them at -125 to win the match, while Dortmund is a massive outsider at +300 to secure victory. The odds for the overall tie are even more staggering, with Barcelona at 1/1000 and Dortmund at 66/1, reflecting the uphill battle facing the German side.
As the match approaches, betting markets are buzzing with various offers. Notably, there are boosts for players such as Lamine Yamal, who is expected to have at least two shots on target, boosted to 3/1, and Raphinha, who has been in remarkable form with 12 goals and seven assists in the Champions League this season.
In addition to Yamal's boosted odds, other notable betting opportunities include Lewandowski to have three or more shots on target at 4/1 and a combined bet for both Sehrou Guirassy and Lewandowski to score at 5/1. These betting markets highlight the anticipation surrounding the match and the expectations for individual performances.
For fans looking to tune in, the match will be available for live streaming on Paramount+, ensuring that supporters can follow the action as Barcelona looks to secure their place in the next round of the Champions League.
With Barcelona's current form and their substantial lead, the pressure is on Dortmund to produce a historic comeback. The team's performance in the first leg has left them with little room for error, and they will need to find a way to penetrate Barcelona's defense if they hope to overturn the deficit.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Barcelona's players are riding high on confidence, while Dortmund will be looking to rally together and pull off an upset that would go down in Champions League history.
In conclusion, as the teams take to the pitch, all eyes will be on whether Dortmund can defy the odds and mount a comeback against a formidable Barcelona side that has proven to be one of the best in Europe this season.