Barcelona will host Borussia Dortmund at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companiess on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Catalans want to maintain their unbeaten run in 2025 and move closer to the European title, while Dortmund wants to turn their season around and avenge their loss to Barcelona in the league phase.
Barcelona
Barcelona come into this game as one of the favourites to win the Champions League, already with a 4-point lead in La Liga and a spot in the Copa del Rey final. Under Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have become a solid team, unbeaten in all competitions this year. But their momentum was slightly slowed down by the 1-1 draw against Real Betis last weekend.
With Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen out, Barcelona will count on Wojciech Szczesny in goal and a defensive line with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as full-backs. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will be in midfield, and Robert Lewandowski will lead the attack with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund have struggled this season but are unbeaten in the Champions League under Niko Kovac. They come into this game with good momentum after two consecutive Bundesliga wins after the international break. But injuries to Niklas Sule (meniscus) and Marcel Sabitzer limit their defensive options.
Dortmund are expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation with Gregor Kobel in goal. Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson will play as full-backs tasked with containing Barcelona’s wide threats. Emre Can will anchor the midfield alongside Salih Ozcan and Julian Brandt, while Karim Adeyemi and Maximilian Beier flank Serhou Guirassy in attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini, Svensson; Can, Ozcan, Brandt; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier.
Key Stats
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Borussia Dortmund have never won against Barcelona in the Champions League (D1 L2).
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Barcelona defeated Dortmund 3-2 during the league phase earlier this season.
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Hansi Flick has won all six of his meetings with Dortmund across his managerial career.
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Dortmund have only won three of their 20 away matches against Spanish opponents in European competitions.
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Raphinha has been directly involved in 16 goals in ten Champions League appearances this season (11 goals, five assists).
Player to Watch: Raphinha
Raphinha has been one of Europe’s standout performers this season with 27 goals and 20 assists across all competitions. His ability to create chances and score crucial goals makes him vital for Barcelona’s attacking setup. With 11 goals already in this Champions League campaign, Raphinha will look to exploit Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Barcelona vs Dortmund Prediction
Barcelona’s home advantage and superior form make them favorites for this clash. While Dortmund may pose a challenge with their attacking flair under Niko Kovac, Barcelona’s quality should see them secure a narrow victory.
Barcelona 2-1 Dortmund
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