This evening at 21:00 EAT, Borussia Dortmund welcomes FC Barcelona to Signal Iduna Park for the second installment of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final match. After a resounding 4-0 first-leg victory in Camp Nou, Barcelona comes to this game with one foot already in the semi-finals.
⚔️ Head-to-Head Stats
Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have met in European competition four times. Barcelona dominates the head-to-head with 2 victories, while both the other games ended in a draw. Dortmund has yet to beat Barça, and they are up against an uphill task tonight.
First Leg Recap
Barcelona crushed Dortmund in the first leg by a 4-0 margin, with goals by Raphinha, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, and two by Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona had possession and created plenty of chances, while Dortmund were unable to match their movement and pace.
Key Players to Watch
Borussia Dortmund
- Karim Adeyemi – Returning from injury, his pace and tricks are essential to any comeback opportunity.
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens – Top scorer for Dortmund in the competition with 4 goals.
- Julian Brandt – Playmaker in midfield responsible for marshaling attacking transitions.
Barcelona
- Robert Lewandowski – Dortmund legend now in blistering hot form for Barça with 7 Champions League goals.
- Raphinha – Goal and an assist in the first leg, deadly on the wings.
- Lamine Yamal – The 16-year-old continues to shine on the biggest stage with skill and maturity far beyond his years.
Tactical Insights
Dortmund will be asked to press from the opening whistle, and they'll need an early goal to inject life into the tie. They'll be counting on the legendary "Yellow Wall" to get them going, hoping to unsettle Barcelona with intensity and high pressing.
Barcelona, under boss Hansi Flick, will try and control possession and look to counter-attack on their speedy wingers. Their focus will be to remain calm, avoid committing silly mistakes, and play to their advantage, which is greater.
Prediction
While Signal Iduna Park is a scary ground, Barcelona's four-goal advantage gives them a humongous buffer. Dortmund may manage to score, but Barcelona's class will see them through in a comfortable manner.
Predicted Score: ⚖️ Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Barcelona
Aggregato: Borussia Dortmund 2-6 Barcelona
Sources & More Reading:
- Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Betting Preview – TalkSPORT
- Bild Germany: Dortmund's Plan to Defeat Barça
- AS: The Strength of the Yellow Wall