Barcelona`s strong season continues as they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Olympic Stadium. Both teams are vying for a spot in the semifinals.
Barcelona is aiming for a treble and is considered a serious contender to win the Champions League for the first time in ten years, thanks to coach Hansi Flick`s positive impact. Key players like Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha are expected to play crucial roles in this two-legged tie. Dani Olmo will be absent due to injury.
For Dortmund, the Champions League represents their last opportunity to salvage a disappointing season. Manager Niko Kovac, who took over in January, has brought some stability, but Dortmund currently sits eighth in the Bundesliga and risks missing out on European competition next season. They will be without suspended Pascal Gross and injured Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -290; Draw +440; Borussia Dortmund +650
Previous Encounter
In their last meeting in the group stage, Barcelona narrowly defeated Dortmund 3-2. Raphinha opened the scoring, followed by two equalizers from Serhou Guirassy for Dortmund. Ferran Torres scored twice, including the decisive goal for Barcelona.
Barcelona`s Perspective
This match is Barcelona`s fifth game in two weeks, part of a stretch of nine games in 29 days. They recently drew 1-1 against Real Betis, but remain in a good position in La Liga. Manager Hansi Flick acknowledges the team`s fatigue but is focused on progressing game by game. He was content with the draw against Betis, emphasizing the team`s efforts and rotation.
Flick is likely to field many of the same starters from the Betis game, including Lewandowski and Yamal. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is expected to start both quarterfinal legs, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen`s return to training. Ter Stegen, recovering from a patella tendon injury, is aiming to return soon but has no specific date set.
Ter Stegen stated he feels physically excellent and eager to play, but will return when fully ready, potentially after consulting with the coach.
Borussia Dortmund`s Perspective
Dortmund is aware of their underdog status, especially with Schlotterbeck`s season-ending injury. They won 4-1 against Freiburg without him, but facing Barcelona in the Champions League is a much bigger challenge.
Captain Emre Can reflected on Dortmund`s inconsistent season, suggesting that complacency might be an issue. He believes players might sometimes give less than 100% in the Bundesliga, which is not sufficient. He stressed the need for a change in mentality and greater individual effort in every match. Despite this, Dortmund maintains ambitions to compete for titles.
Projected Lineups
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Pascal Gross, Julian Brandt, Daniel Svensson, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: Yamal has been a standout performer for Barcelona, becoming a key attacking threat. With 13 goals and 17 assists in his second professional season, he consistently delivers in important matches. Barcelona will likely aim for a comfortable first-leg victory, and Yamal is expected to be crucial in achieving this.
Key Storyline
Barcelona`s Busy Schedule: Barcelona`s fitness and freshness are major concerns due to fixture congestion. This packed schedule could impact their performance in their pursuit of three trophies. While Barcelona is still favored, fatigue might offer an opportunity for Dortmund.
Prediction
Despite potential fatigue, Barcelona should still be strong enough to overcome Dortmund, who have not replicated last season`s Champions League form. While it might not be their best performance, Barcelona is expected to secure a first-leg advantage. Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley