Barcelona welcome Dortmund for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash
La Blaugrana look to gain a strong lead before the second leg
The two sides previously played out a thrilling five-goal encounter in the group stage
Barcelona welcome last season’s Champions League runners-up, Borussia Dortmund, for the first leg of their quarter-final showdown on Wednesday night.
Currently leading La Liga and with a Copa del Rey final on the horizon later this month, La Blaugrana remain in the hunt for a treble. However, their toughest tests lie in Europe—beginning with a two-legged clash against Dortmund and potentially facing Bayern Munich or Inter in the semi-finals if they advance
Barcelona will aim to build a solid first-leg lead before traveling to the hostile atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park next week. They are strong favourites to do so against a Dortmund team that has struggled for consistency.
Since Niko Kovac took charge from Nuri Sahin, Dortmund have shown some improvement, but their performances remain unpredictable. Recent Bundesliga defeats to Bochum and Augsburg reflect their erratic form, with the Champions League offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent domestic season
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund: Kick-off Details
Venue: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Date: Wednesday, 9 April
Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Match Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
VAR Official: Dennis Johan Higler (Norway)
Recent Head-to-Head: Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund (Last 5 Matches)
Barcelona Wins: 3
Dortmund Wins: 0
Draws: 2
Most Recent Encounter: Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona – 11 December 2024 (Champions League)
Recent Form: Barcelona
1-1 vs Real Betis – 5 April 2025
1-0 win at Atletico Madrid – 2 April 2025
4-1 win over Girona – 30 March 2025
3-0 win against Osasuna – 27 March 2025
4-2 win at Atletico Madrid – 16 March 2025
Recent Form: Borussia Dortmund
4-1 win at Freiburg – 5 April 2025
3-1 win over Mainz – 30 March 2025
0-2 loss at RB Leipzig – 15 March 2025
2-1 win at Lille – 12 March 2025
0-1 loss to Augsburg – 8 March 2025
Where to Watch Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund – TV & Streaming Info (UK & US)
Barcelona saw Andreas Christensen return to the matchday squad for the first time since late January in their weekend draw against Real Betis. However, Hansi Flick remains without long-term absentees Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado.
Dani Olmo will be a notable absence in attack after suffering a muscle injury at the end of March and will be replaced by Gavi in the starting XI, with the young midfielder having scored against Betis over the weekend. Ferran Torres might be the only player to make way from the team that drew in La Liga on Saturday, with Raphinha taking his place on the left wing.
Barcelona’s predicted lineup vs Dortmund (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
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Borussia Dortmund Injury Update
Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, joining Dortmund’s growing injury list. Defenders Niklas Sule and Ramy Bensebaini are also doubtful for Wednesday’s match.
Kovac faces challenges in midfield with Pascal Gross suspended and Marcel Sabitzer sidelined due to injury. Daniel Svensson started in midfield over the weekend, with Salih Ozcan and Felix Nmecha also in contention. In attack, the only injury concern for Dortmund is young Cole Campbell.
Borussia Dortmund’s predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Can, Svensson; Nmecha, Ozcan; Adeyemi, Brandt, Beier; Guirassy.
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Score Prediction
Barcelona triumphed in a thrilling encounter between the two teams during the group stage in December and will be confident of securing another victory in the midweek clash. The Catalans will aim for at least a two-goal cushion before the return leg.
Dortmund have struggled defensively all season, with several injuries at the back, which Barcelona are likely to take advantage of on Wednesday. While Barca’s attacking strength should lead them to a comfortable win, Dortmund will still pose a significant threat on the counter.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
