UEFA Champions League: Dortmund vs Barcelona preview 04/15/2025

UEFA Champions League: Dortmund vs Barcelona preview 04/15/2025



The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona is set for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Barcelona holds a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, but Dortmund will aim to leverage their home advantage to mount a comeback.

 

Match Details

·         Fixture: Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Barcelona

·         Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

·         Kick-off: 7:00 PM BST (12:00 AM BST+6)

·         Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany

·         Weather: Overcast with occasional rain, High: 58°F (14°C), Low: 45°F (7°C)

 

First Leg Recap

In the first leg at Camp Nou, Barcelona secured a dominant 4-0 victory. Raphinha led the charge with a brace, while Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal added to the tally. The Catalan side's high-pressing game overwhelmed Dortmund, leaving them with a significant deficit to overcome.

 

Team News & Tactical Outlook

Borussia Dortmund

Manager Nuri Şahin faces a daunting task but remains hopeful of a spirited performance at home. Dortmund's attacking prowess, led by Serhou Guirassy, who has netted 10 goals and provided 5 assists in the competition, will be crucial. The midfield duo of Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha will aim to control the tempo and supply the forwards.

In defense, the absence of key players due to injuries poses a challenge. However, the home crowd's support at Signal Iduna Park could provide the impetus needed for a resilient display.




FC Barcelona

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona has transformed into a high-intensity, pressing unit. Flick, marking his 50th game in charge, has achieved 37 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, with 146 goals scored and only 50 conceded. His tenure has seen the team clinch the Supercopa de España, lead La Liga, and reach the Copa del Rey final.

In the midfield, the trio of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi orchestrate play, while the attacking line features Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. The defense, potentially comprising Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, and Gerard Martín, will aim to maintain the clean sheet.

 

Possible Lineups

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1):

·         GK: Gregor Kobel

·         DEF: Julian Ryerson, Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ramy Bensebaini

·         MID: Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer

·         ATT: Donyell Malen, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Karim Adeyemi

·         FW: Serhou Guirassy

FC Barcelona (4-3-3):

·         GK: Iñaki Peña

·         DEF: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín

·         MID: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi

·         ATT: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

 

Head-to-Head

Historically, Barcelona has had the upper hand in this fixture. In their previous five encounters:

·         Dec 11, 2024: Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona

·         Nov 27, 2019: Barcelona 3-1 Dortmund

·         Sep 17, 2019: Dortmund 0-0 Barcelona

·         Mar 11, 1998: Dortmund 1-1 Barcelona (UEFA Super Cup)

·         Jan 8, 1998: Barcelona 2-0 Dortmund (UEFA Super Cup)

Barcelona remains unbeaten against Dortmund in European competitions, with three wins and two draws.

 

Live Stream & Broadcast

The match will be broadcast live on major sports networks and streaming platforms. Check local listings for availability in your region.

 

Prediction

While Dortmund will be buoyed by their home support, overcoming a 4-0 deficit against a resurgent Barcelona side appears formidable. Expect Barcelona to manage the game effectively, potentially securing a draw or narrow win to advance to the semifinals.