UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Preview: FC Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund – April 9, 2025

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Preview: FC Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund – April 9, 2025



The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals bring an electrifying clash as FC Barcelona host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Both teams are eager to secure a first-leg advantage in their quest for European glory.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: FC Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
  • Competition: UEFA Champions League – Quarter-final (1st Leg)
  • Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
  • Kick-off Time: 9:00 PM CEST / 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
  • Venue: Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys, Barcelona, Spain
  • Referee: Espen Eskรฅs (Norway)

 

How to Watch / Live Stream

  • United Kingdom: BT Sport
  • United States: Paramount+
  • Germany: DAZN
  • Spain: Movistar Liga de Campeones
  • Global: UEFA.tv (highlights and replays)

 

Team News

FC Barcelona

Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona have been in formidable form, leading La Liga and progressing confidently in the Champions League. They aim to capitalize on their home advantage in this crucial fixture.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Marc-Andrรฉ ter Stegen: Unavailable due to a knee injury.
  • Dani Olmo: Sidelined with a muscular injury.
  • Marc Bernal: Out with an ACL injury.
  • Marc Casadรณ: Unavailable due to ligament issues.

Key Players:

  • Robert Lewandowski: The prolific striker has been a consistent goal-scoring threat.
  • Raphinha: Currently the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals.
  • Lamine Yamal: The young winger has impressed with his pace and creativity.

 




Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund, led by coach Niko Kovac, have had a challenging Bundesliga season but remain a formidable force in Europe. They seek to upset Barcelona and gain an advantage ahead of the second leg.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Nico Schlotterbeck: Out for the season with a knee injury.
  • Pascal Gross: Suspended for this fixture.
  • Marcel Sabitzer: Unavailable due to an MCL injury.
  • Niklas Sรผle: Doubtful with a leg injury.

Key Players:

  • Marco Reus: The experienced captain provides leadership and creativity.
  • Jude Bellingham: The young midfielder adds dynamism and skill to the lineup.
  • Gregor Kobel: The goalkeeper's performances could be pivotal in keeping Dortmund in the tie.

 

Possible Lineups

FC Barcelona (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
  • Defenders: Jules Koundรฉ, Pau Cubarsรญ, รรฑigo Martรญnez, Alejandro Balde
  • Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi
  • Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal

Note: This lineup reflects the latest team news and injury updates.

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

  • Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
  • Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini
  • Midfielders: Salih ร–zcan, Jude Bellingham
  • Attacking Midfielders: Donyell Malen, Marco Reus, Karim Adeyemi
  • Forward: Sebastien Haller

Note: Adjustments have been made due to suspensions and injuries.

 

Playing Ground: Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys

With the Camp Nou undergoing renovations, Barcelona have temporarily relocated to the Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys for the 2024/2025 season. Located on Montjuรฏc hill, the stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 55,000 and has been adapted to meet UEFA standards. The venue offers a unique atmosphere, and Barcelona have made it a fortress during their tenure.

 

Head-to-Head Record

FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have faced each other three times in competitive matches.

  • Total Matches: 3
    • Barcelona Wins: 2
    • Draws: 1
    • Dortmund Wins: 0

Their most recent encounter was on December 11, 2024, during the Champions League group stage, where Barcelona secured a 3-2 victory at Signal Iduna Park. Raphinha played a pivotal role in that match, contributing significantly to the win.

 

Match Preview

This quarter-final tie brings together two clubs with rich histories and attacking philosophies