LaLiga leaders Barcelona are on the verge of reaching their first UEFA Champions League semifinal in six years as they head to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in Tuesday’s second leg of the quarterfinals.
Dortmund will be counting on fervent home crowd support at BVB Stadium to help erase the team’s goal deficit after their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona last Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium.
Barcelona, aiming to lift their first Champions League trophy since 2015, remain unbeaten across all competitions in 2025. With a commanding four-goal cushion and a lineup full of match-winners, Barca present a formidable challenge for Dortmund in the return fixture.
The German side faces a monumental task if they are to make it to the Champions League semifinals for the second year running.
Here is all to know before the quarterfinal decider:
What happened in the first leg?
Barcelona simply overwhelmed Dortmund with their offensive firepower.
Star forward Robert Lewandowski put two goals past his former club, and attacking wings Lamine Yamal and Raphinha joined in with a goal each to wreak havoc on the Dortmund defence.
The 4-0 win equalled Barcelona’s largest margin of victory in a UEFA quarterfinal.
Team news: Barcelona
Barcelona will go with a largely consistent lineup against Dortmund as they did last week, featuring Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez in midfield. Yamal and Raphinha will support main striker Robert Lewandowski up front.
One omission is first-choice left-back defender Alejandro Balde, who is out for several weeks after suffering a leg injury against Leganes on Sunday.
On a brighter note, Spanish international Dani Olmo has been medically cleared to travel to Germany. However, he is expected to have limited involvement as he gradually returns to full match fitness.
Possible lineups:
Dortmund starting XI: Kobel; Bensebaini, Anton, Can; Ryserson, Nmecha, Gittens, Chukwuemeka; Adeyemi, Brandt; Guirassy
Barcelona starting XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; de Jong, Pedri, Fermin; Yamal, Raphinha; Lewandowski
