In a thrilling matchup for a spot in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund will host Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 16:00 (Brasilia time). The stakes are high as Dortmund seeks to overturn a daunting 4-0 deficit from the first leg played in Spain. With the pressure mounting, Dortmund needs to win by five goals to secure an outright victory or by four goals to force extra time.
Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, enters this match with momentum after their recent victory over Leganés in LaLiga, where they secured a narrow 1-0 win. This result helped them maintain a four-point lead at the top of the league table, sitting at 70 points, while their closest rivals, Real Madrid, trail with 66 points. The Catalan giants are looking to capitalize on their strong form as they aim for Champions League glory.
On the other side, Borussia Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovac, faced a challenging Bundesliga fixture against Bayern Munich last weekend, which ended in a 2-2 draw. This result saw them miss the opportunity to break into the top six of the league standings, adding to the urgency of their Champions League campaign. Kovac has strategically rested key players for this crucial clash, hoping to maximize their performance against Barcelona.
In terms of player availability, Dortmund will welcome back midfielder Pascal Gross, who returns from suspension and is expected to play a significant role in the match. Meanwhile, Barcelona will have to cope without left-back Alejandro Balde, who suffered a thigh injury and will be sidelined for at least three weeks. Gerard Martín is anticipated to step into the starting lineup in Balde's absence. Additionally, Dani Olmo, who has been recovering from a muscular issue since March, has been included in the squad by coach Flick.
The probable starting lineups for both teams are as follows:
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Süle, Emre Can, Anton; Ryerson, Nmecha, Svensson, Chukwuemeka, Gross; Beier, Guirassy.
Barcelona: Szczesny; Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Pedri, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
As fans gear up for this pivotal encounter, the atmosphere at BVB Stadion Dortmund is expected to be electric. The match will be broadcast live on SBT (open TV), TNT (cable TV), and Max (streaming), allowing supporters to follow every moment of the action.
This matchup not only holds significance for both teams in their quest for Champions League advancement but also showcases the fierce competition between two of Europe’s top football clubs. With a place in the semifinals on the line, Borussia Dortmund must rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that could go down in history, while Barcelona aims to assert their dominance and secure their spot in the next round.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds among players and fans alike. Will Dortmund achieve the impossible comeback, or will Barcelona's experience and tactical prowess see them through to the semifinals? The football world awaits the answer as this thrilling contest unfolds.
