Preview: Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund – prediction, team news, lineups

All eyes turn to the majestic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night as Champions League juggernauts Barcelona welcome last year’s valiant finalists Borussia Dortmund in a mouth-watering quarter-final first leg.

Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants have lit up Europe with their thrilling brand of football, winning plaudits and matches in equal measure. Having coasted through the earlier rounds of the tournament with dominant performances, Barca now stand just a few games away from etching their name on the famous trophy once again.

For Borussia Dortmund, this fixture presents both an opportunity and a daunting challenge. The Germans may still be licking their wounds from last season’s painful final defeat to Real Madrid, but they have built a reputation in recent years for upsetting the odds, particularly on the continental stage.

The stakes could not be higher. A semifinal spot awaits, with either Bayern Munich or Inter Milan waiting in the wings. That prospect alone adds extra spice to an already captivating clash. Barcelona will be driven by memories of their painful 2010 semi-final exit to Inter, while Dortmund are hoping to banish their demons from years of domestic dominance by Bayern.

Form-wise, it is clear Barcelona hold the upper hand. Unbeaten in 22 matches across all competitions and victorious in 18 of those, Flick’s men are riding a wave of momentum. However, their flawless streak was momentarily checked over the weekend with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against Real Betis, a match in which Gavi’s early strike was neutralized by Natan’s second-half equalizer.

Still, the treble – or even quadruple – dream remains very much alive. Barca have already secured the Spanish Super Cup, and a sensational 5-4 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid has booked their ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where a tantalizing El Clasico clash against Real Madrid awaits.

Before then, however, all focus will be on this two-legged affair against Dortmund, as well as La Liga matches against Leganes, Celta Vigo, and Mallorca, which Barcelona are widely expected to navigate comfortably.

That potential double showdown against Madrid – in both the Copa final and possibly the Champions League – has fans and pundits dreaming of one of the greatest seasons in Spanish football history. Especially now that Madrid’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Valencia has handed Barca a slight edge in the domestic title race.

When it comes to this European bout, however, Flick’s focus will be singular. His team previously edged out Dortmund in a thrilling group-stage clash at the Westfalenstadion, with Ferran Torres scoring twice late on to seal a 3-2 win. That result not only gave Barca the group lead but also preserved Flick’s personal 100% win record against Dortmund—six wins in six from his Bayern days and now with Barcelona.

Barcelona also boast an impressive historical record against the Bundesliga side, remaining unbeaten in their five previous meetings. And Dortmund’s wretched record in Spain only fuels the sense of foreboding for their fans—they have won just three times in 20 visits to the country, including a crushing 5-2 loss at the Bernabeu earlier this season despite briefly leading 2-0.

That said, Dortmund cannot be underestimated. Their domestic form may be patchy—they currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga—but their European pedigree is undeniable. Niko Kovac’s men have lost just one of their last eight Champions League knockout ties, and they’ve won three consecutive away fixtures in that stage of the competition.

With their chances of a top-four Bundesliga finish looking slim, the Champions League may represent Dortmund’s best hope of qualifying for the competition next season, raising the stakes even further.

Team news will play a critical role in shaping this contest. For Barcelona, Raphinha was rested at the weekend and is expected to slot back into a potent front three alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, the latter facing his old club. Dani Olmo remains sidelined with a muscular issue, while Inigo Martinez could return after pulling out of international duty last month.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal are all out for the season, but veteran keeper Wojciech Szczesny has stepped in admirably since joining on a short-term deal. His experience will be key in this high-pressure tie.

Dortmund’s injury list had seemed to be clearing up nicely until a bombshell on Monday confirmed that key defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the season due to a meniscus tear. That blow comes just as Niklas Sule and Yan Couto were preparing to return, alongside the suspended Nico Anton. Midfield engine Marcel Sabitzer is also ruled out with a knee issue, though Kovac still has plenty of depth to choose from.

Up top, Serhou Guirassy is expected to lead the line after being rested during the weekend’s Bundesliga action. His double against Barca in the group stage showed he knows how to find space against their backline.

Barcelona’s expected XI includes Szczesny between the sticks, with a back four of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are set to dictate midfield proceedings, supporting the electric trio of Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha behind Lewandowski.

For Dortmund, Gregor Kobel should start in goal, shielded by a defense likely composed of Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini, and Svensson. The midfield trio of Emre Can, Salih Ozcan, and Julian Brandt will aim to disrupt Barca’s rhythm, while Adeyemi, Beier, and Guirassy will shoulder the attacking burden.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona’s form, pedigree, and home advantage make them firm favorites to take control of this tie. Their attacking threat is relentless, and while Dortmund are likely to find the net—as they have done in 11 consecutive Champions League away games—it’s hard to see them containing this Barcelona side for 90 minutes.

With goals likely at both ends and momentum on their side, Barcelona are tipped to win this first leg with a two-goal cushion, setting themselves up perfectly for the return leg in Germany.