In a thrilling encounter at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund delivered a stunning performance against FC Barcelona, winning 3:1 in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on April 15, 2025. Despite this impressive victory, Dortmund was eliminated from the tournament, having lost the first leg 0:4. However, the team’s spirited display has reignited hopes for the remainder of the Bundesliga season.
Serhou Guirassy was the star of the night, scoring a remarkable hat-trick with goals in the 11th, 49th, and 77th minutes. His first goal came from the penalty spot after a foul on teammate Pascal Groß, showcasing his composure under pressure. "I’m proud of what we achieved. Barcelona is a strong team, but we are strong too. We fought until the end and showed what we can do," Guirassy told Amazon Prime after the match, adding a bittersweet note, "It’s a shame that our journey is over."
In contrast, Ramy Bensebaini’s own goal in the 54th minute briefly dampened Dortmund’s spirits, as it brought Barcelona back into the match. The own goal was a result of a cross from Fermin Lopez, which Bensebaini inadvertently directed into his own net. This moment of misfortune could have derailed Dortmund’s momentum, but they responded admirably with Guirassy netting his third goal shortly after.
Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac praised his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and skill throughout the match. "We played one of our best games of the season," he stated. The team started strong, with Guirassy missing two golden opportunities early on before converting the penalty that set the tone for the match.
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, came into the match with confidence but struggled to assert their dominance as they had in the first leg. Flick had emphasized the importance of not underestimating Dortmund, yet his players seemed unable to replicate their previous performance. "Dortmund did very well; they have a fantastic team. I had a feeling something like this could happen because I know the stadium and the fans well," Flick acknowledged after the match.
The opening minutes saw Dortmund pressuring Barcelona relentlessly, forcing them into mistakes and creating several scoring chances. Guirassy's early penalty was a pivotal moment, and despite a disallowed goal from Pascal Groß in the 16th minute for offside, Dortmund maintained their attacking intensity.
After Guirassy’s second goal early in the second half, it looked as though Dortmund could achieve the impossible comeback. However, Bensebaini’s own goal shifted the momentum back to Barcelona, who began to control the game. Yet, Dortmund’s resilience shone through as they continued to push forward, culminating in Guirassy’s third goal, which reignited the home crowd.
Despite the loss in the quarterfinals, the match served as a significant confidence booster for Dortmund as they head into the final stretch of the Bundesliga season. Currently, they are just three points behind the top six and six points away from a Champions League spot, which is held by RB Leipzig.
Looking ahead, Dortmund will face Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in a crucial matchup that could further enhance their chances of European qualification. "I hope we can show a similar performance on Sunday. The team is alive, and everyone felt today that we believe in ourselves," said defender Niklas Süle, reflecting the renewed optimism in the squad.
The defeat was particularly significant for Barcelona, who had not lost in 24 competitive matches in 2025 before this encounter. The result not only eliminated Dortmund from the Champions League but also marked a notable moment in the competition’s history, as they attempted to replicate Barcelona’s own feat from the 2016/17 season, when they overturned a 0:4 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain.
As the dust settles on this thrilling match, one thing is clear: Borussia Dortmund showcased their potential and determination, leaving fans hopeful for what lies ahead in the Bundesliga. With quality players like Guirassy leading the charge, the team has laid down a blueprint for success in their upcoming matches.
In conclusion, while the Champions League dream has come to an end for Dortmund this season, the performance against Barcelona has reignited their ambitions domestically. The fans will be eager to see if this momentum can carry them into the final weeks of the Bundesliga, where every point counts in the race for European football.
