The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals roll on this Wednesday as tournament favourites Barcelona host Borussia Dortmund at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc) in the first leg of a blockbuster tie.
With European glory and a potential semi-final clash against either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While Barcelona are flying high under Hansi Flick, playing some of the most exciting football in Europe, Borussia Dortmund arrive hoping to defy the odds and reach back-to-back Champions League finals.
Barcelona’s Quadruple Dream Still Alive
Under new boss Hansi Flick, Barcelona have rediscovered their swagger, and are arguably the form team in Europe. They head into this clash unbeaten in 22 matches, winning 18 of them, and their eye-catching attacking football has them positioned as frontrunners in this year’s Champions League.
The Catalan giants already have the Spanish Super Cup in their trophy cabinet, and after a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, they’ll face Real Madrid in an El Clasico final. With La Liga still in reach and their European campaign thriving, a historic quadruple remains a possibility.
Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis at the weekend, with Gavi’s early strike cancelled out by Natan, the focus was clearly on this Champions League fixture. With winnable La Liga matches ahead against Leganés, Celta Vigo and Mallorca, Flick can afford to rotate domestically to prioritize Europe.
Dortmund Hope to Defy History and Form
For Borussia Dortmund, this season has been a mixed bag. While their Bundesliga form has been underwhelming, their Champions League campaign has kept them relevant. After finishing second last season, Dortmund have proven again that they’re capable of big European nights—especially away from home.
The German side have won three consecutive Champions League away games in the knockout stage, and their only defeat in their last eight such ties came in the 2024 final against Real Madrid at Wembley.
With domestic qualification for next year’s tournament hanging in the balance—they currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga, five points off the top four—winning the Champions League might be Dortmund’s best route back to Europe.
Head-to-Head: Barca Dominate the Matchup
This isn’t the first time the two clubs have clashed in Europe. In fact, Barcelona are unbeaten in all five previous meetings with Borussia Dortmund. Their most recent showdown came earlier this season in the group stage, where Barça claimed a dramatic 3-2 win at the Westfalenstadion, with Ferran Torres netting a late brace.
Manager Hansi Flick also boasts a perfect record against Dortmund from his time at Bayern Munich, winning all six matches against them.
The odds are stacked against BVB further when considering their poor record in Spain: just three wins from 20 away games in the country. Their most recent visit ended in a 5-2 thrashing by Real Madrid, even though they surprisingly led 2-0 in that match.
Team News & Injury Updates
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona are dealing with a few injury setbacks:
- Dani Olmo (muscle injury) is likely to miss the first leg.
- Inigo Martinez is a doubt but may return to the squad.
- Long-term absentees Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen are ruled out for the season.
- Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny continues to deputize admirably between the posts.
Flick rested Raphinha over the weekend to keep him fresh for this tie, and he’s expected to join Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, a former Dortmund talisman, in a high-powered front three.
Dortmund Team News
Dortmund’s injury list includes:
- Marcel Sabitzer (knee) remains sidelined.
- Nico Schlotterbeck, expected to return from suspension, has suffered a season-ending meniscus tear.
- Yan Couto and Niklas Süle have recovered and are in contention to play.
Despite injuries, Niko Kovac still has a deep squad to choose from. Serhou Guirassy, who was rested at the weekend, is set to lead the line, supported by the pace and creativity of Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt.
Barcelona vs Dortmund: Predicted Lineups
🔵 Barcelona Possible XI
Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski
🟡 Dortmund Possible XI
Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini, Svensson; Can, Özcan, Brandt; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier
Key Battles & Tactical Insights
🔥 Lewandowski vs Dortmund’s Back Line
The Polish striker will be motivated against his former club, and Dortmund’s weakened central defense—missing Schlotterbeck—may struggle to contain him.
⚡ Lamine Yamal vs Ramy Bensebaini
Yamal’s raw pace and creativity on the wing will test Dortmund’s full-backs, especially if Bensebaini is forced to defend in one-on-one scenarios.
⚔️ Midfield Control: De Jong & Pedri vs Can & Özcan
The midfield battle could decide the flow of the game. If Barça dominate possession, Dortmund may have to absorb pressure and rely on counters.
Match Prediction: Who Will Take the First-Leg Advantage?
Barcelona enter this tie as strong favourites, given their recent form, head-to-head record, and home advantage at Montjuïc. Dortmund’s ability to spring a surprise on the road shouldn’t be underestimated, but they will need to be at their absolute best to keep the tie alive heading into the second leg in Germany.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 3-1 Borussia Dortmund
