In a dramatic night at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund faces a monumental challenge as they host FC Barcelona in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. After suffering a crushing 0-4 defeat in the first leg, the Schwarz-Gelben must not only win but also overcome a significant goal deficit to advance in the tournament.
The match, set for April 15, 2025, at 21:00 local time, will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, with pre-match coverage starting at 20:00. Host Alexander Schlüter will guide the viewers through the night, joined by experts Benedikt Höwedes and Mark van Bommel, who steps in for the absent Matthias Sammer.
Sammer, the club's chief advisor, has been vocal about the team’s recent struggles, particularly after their disappointing 1-2 loss to FC Bologna. He criticized the squad's physical and mental state, saying, "Die Mannschaft ist körperlich und geistig in einer Nicht-Verfassung." Following his comments, BVB boss Lars Ricken issued an ultimatum: Sammer could either continue as an Amazon expert or remain a club advisor, but not both for Dortmund games. Ultimately, he chose to stay with the club, which Ricken confirmed would not harm their relationship.
Coach Niko Kovac, facing his own set of challenges, acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. "I’m an optimist but also a realist," he stated. "Without a glimmer of hope, there would be no point in playing." His sentiments reflect the team’s daunting task of overcoming a four-goal deficit against one of Europe’s strongest teams.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel echoed Kovac’s cautious optimism, admitting, "Against such a team, coming back from four goals is a tall order. We need to try to get the maximum out of this situation. It’s a monumental task and perhaps not very realistic." With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, the players are determined to leave the field with their heads held high.
Dortmund's captain, Emre Can, emphasized the importance of putting on a good performance for their fans, stating, "We will try to win and give everything we have; we owe that to our supporters." However, Can’s participation is in jeopardy due to injury concerns, adding to the team's woes. Alongside Can, Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus, and Carney Chukwuemeka is also unavailable.
In response to these injuries, Kovac has made several changes to the starting lineup. New faces include Ramy Bensebaini, Yan Couto, Lukas Nmecha, and Karim Adeyemi, while Julian Ryerson and Julian Brandt will start on the bench. Kovac explained, "We will play with three forwards—Maxi Beier, Serhou Guirassy, and Karim Adeyemi. It’s unfortunate that Emre can’t play today. Carney also took a hit in Munich and is not fit to play."
The task at hand is monumental, especially considering Dortmund's historical struggles against Barcelona. The German side has never defeated the Catalan giants in six previous European encounters. A loss tonight would extend Dortmund's winless streak against Barcelona, matching their longest winless streak against any European opponent, which is seven matches against the Glasgow Rangers from 1966 to 1999.
Barcelona arrives in Dortmund with a formidable reputation, having dominated German teams in this season's Champions League, including victories over Bayern Munich and twice against Dortmund. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, the team boasts a star-studded lineup featuring Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, both of whom are in exceptional form. Lewandowski has netted 60 goals in 59 UEFA Champions League matches since turning 30, while Raphinha has been directly involved in 19 goals this season.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Dortmund supporters hope for a miracle, while Barcelona aims to solidify their dominance in the tournament. The stakes couldn't be higher, with the potential for a historic win or a continued struggle for the home side.
Tonight's match is not just about survival in the Champions League; it's a chance for Borussia Dortmund to reclaim their pride on home soil. With a capacity crowd of 81,365 expected at Signal Iduna Park, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Fans will be looking for a performance that reflects the club's fighting spirit, even in the face of adversity.
For those unable to attend, the match will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, with highlights also accessible on the UEFA website and the platforms of DAZN and Prime Video. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the question remains: can Borussia Dortmund pull off the impossible against FC Barcelona?
As the teams prepare to take the field, all eyes will be on Signal Iduna Park, where history could be made. Will Dortmund rise to the occasion or will Barcelona continue their stronghold over the German side? The answer awaits as the Champions League drama unfolds.
