Following a dominant 4-0 victory at Camp Nou, Barcelona travels to Signal Iduna Park to face Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, are favorites to advance to the semi-finals after a commanding first-leg performance highlighted by goals from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski`s return to Dortmund is a major storyline, as he revisits his former home where he starred from 2010 to 2014 under Jurgen Klopp. Barcelona is widely tipped to progress to the Champions League semi-finals, where they are likely to encounter either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich.
Match Highlights and Key Storylines
First Leg Recap: Barcelona secured a decisive 4-0 win in the first leg, with Raphinha opening the scoring, followed by Lewandowski`s double and Yamal`s goal. This victory showcased one of Barcelona`s most impressive performances of the season under coach Hansi Flick.
Manager`s Perspective
Hansi Flick acknowledged the strong first-leg result but emphasized the challenge of the return fixture in Dortmund. He stated, “I was very happy to win 4-0 in Barcelona, but tomorrow will not be an easy game… We are only thinking about our game with Dortmund. The rest is for the future… We need 100% concentration.”
Predicted Lineups
Borussia Dortmund XI (Predicted): Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Pascal Gross, Julian Brandt, Daniel Svensson, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi.
FC Barcelona XI (Predicted): Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Player Spotlight
Raphinha (FC Barcelona): After scoring the opener in the first leg, Raphinha`s impressive season continues. He has amassed a significant goal and assist tally this season, placing him among Europe`s most productive attackers. His performances are generating Ballon d`Or buzz, especially if Barcelona achieves Champions League success.
Key Match Storyline
Lewandowski`s Dortmund Return: The Polish forward`s return to Signal Iduna Park is a central narrative. During his time at Dortmund (2010-2014), Lewandowski became a club icon, scoring 74 goals and winning two Bundesliga titles. This match will be an emotional homecoming for the prolific striker.
Match Prediction
Barcelona is expected to confirm their semi-final place after their comfortable first-leg lead. They are predicted to win the second leg and advance to face the winner of the Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich quarter-final.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1.
