FC Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund on 9th April, at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. This game is the first step towards the UEFA Champions League semi-final stage. Let’s discuss what can we expect in this exciting game.
The Importance
Barcelona were in great form until the last game in La Liga, where the Catalans only managed to gain a single point against in-form Real Betis. Dortmund who are not having the best of the season, enjoyed a 4-1 victory over Freiburg to keep their chances of being in the top-four.
Everyone has predicted Barcelona will have an easy game against Dortmund, but the truth is this German side is unpredictable. They will be looking to defend well in the first leg to decide the tie in the Yellow Wall.
Dortmund’s manager stated:
“The next important game is in Barcelona, a very different challenge because we’re up against one of the strongest teams in Europe there,” he explained.
“We’ll have to be able to defend well. You could already see today that we’re capable of that.”
Dortmund’s Guirassy should be the one to watch for Wednesday, the forward has 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances this season, just being behind Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Expected Lineups
Barcelona’s possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Dortmund’s possible starting lineup: Kobel; Can, Bensiebeini, Anton; Svenson, Brandt, GroB, Chukuwumeka, Ryerson; Karim, Guirassy
What to Expect
In my opinion, this will be a difficult game for Barcelona. Dortmund will be looking to edge the game with a draw or small deficit. They will be looking to seek the home advantage of the second leg. I still believe Barcelona’s attacking power will be enough and the score would be 3-1.