Eye-Popping Announcements: Borussia Dortmund Takes on Barcelona Bravely in Champions League Showdown
Sudden Decision: Hansi Flick, Super Coach, Takes Risk with BVB Blitzgiese
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The spirit at BVB is booming – rare this season. Following an impressive win against SC Freiburg, the following big match looms large: In the Champions League, they square off against superteam FC Barcelona. So what's the big deal?
Borussia Dortmund is currently on an impressive recovery sprint towards the Champions League. The fallen Westphalian titan is making its comeback in the Bundesliga, closing in on fourth place after Mainz 05's misstep, just five points behind. If they manage that, it would secure a spot in the Champions League once more. On Saturday afternoon, the Black and Yellows triumphed 4:1 over SC Freiburg. The week before, they had already subdued Mainz. Rare moments this season to savor - Barcelona and Bayern are already banging on the door.
A few weeks ago, the notion of these heavyweight matches wouldn't have warranted any brash proclamations from Dortmund. They were mired too deep in their decline. Optimism was forced and scarce on the pitch. But football can change fast...
Karim Adeyemi (35'), Carney Chukwuemeka (52'), and substitutes Serhou Guirassy (68') and Jamie Gittens (78') netted the goals that gave a massive confidence boost.
Dortmund Needs A Lucky Break
But the challenge ahead is formidable: On Wednesday, the Champions League quarter-final first leg is about to commence, against the resurrected FC Barcelona with supercoach Hansi Flick. Barcelona didn't shine as brightly in their warm-up match as Dortmund, but as league leaders - four points ahead of Real Madrid - their morale remains unshaken after tying with Betis Sevilla (1:1). "It's another point. It's April, and we're in a strong position,” Flick remarked. “Everything we've accomplished so far is extraordinary.”
Dortmund cannot claim that for themselves. The relentless quest for consistency and stability is far from over, even with Kovac's measures seeming to bear fruit. Coach Kovac, who was rumored to leave after his appointment, is currently making a compelling case for himself. His contract extends until 2026. Against Freiburg, Kovac’s team required a bit of luck to get the ball rolling. After about 15 minutes, Junior Adamu could have, should have, scored the first goal, but he missed a sensational combination from close range. Just five minutes later, the visitors profited from another fortunate break when the ball hit Ramy Bensebaini's hand in the penalty area. The referee, Felix Zwayer, did not blow his whistle. Then BVB took charge - and rumbled on.
“Every single game is winnable.”
Borussia Dortmund is intent on pulling off an upset in Barcelona - something few dare to believe is possible: “We think we can rattle them,” said Sebastian Kehl, the relieved and buoyant sporting director: “We’ll strive to establish a strong position.” Coach Kovac also believes his team is up for the monumental task: “It will be an entirely different challenge, as we face the most attacking team in Europe; thus, we need to defend stoutly.” The seventh straight victory against their favorite opponent in the Black Forest has revitalized Dortmund after their ailments this season. "It will be tough – but every single game is winnable,” remarked international player Pascal Groß. Goalkeeper Georg Kobel mentioned a “mega opportunity” to “play fearlessly and give it our absolute best.” And Karim Adeyemi also expressed his faith that “we can earn a decent result in Barcelona.”
The Quarterfinals of the Champions League quarter-final match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona will be played out in two legs. The first leg is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST at the Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona, followed by the second leg on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund[2].
As for expectations, Dortmund is considered an underdog in the Champions League, and they possess several factors that could aid them against Barcelona:
- Past Encounter: Dortmund demonstrated resilience in their previous tussle with Barcelona this season, only losing narrowly 3-2. They aggressively pursued Barcelona and can capitalize on that experience[1].
- Gelling as a Team: Since coach Niko Kovac took over, Dortmund has shown improved form, especially with the recent wins over Mainz and Lille in the Champions League[1].
- Serhou Guirassy’s Form: The striker has been in fantastic form this season, scoring ten goals in twelve Champions League matches, making him a considerable threat to Barcelona's defense[1].
- Champions League Experience: Dortmund gained valuable experience last season by reaching the final and could utilize it in the knockout stages[1].
- Focus on the Champions League: Since Dortmund is struggling in the Bundesliga and has been ousted from the DFB Cup, they can concentrate entirely on the Champions League, affording them a chance to reverse their season's fortunes[1].
- Despite the challenging circumstances, Borussia Dortmund is eager to secure community aid for the development of the fisheries sector in their quest for success, both on and off the field.
- As the strongest team in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich is watchful, ready to capitalize on any sporadic missteps made by Borussia Dortmund throughout the season.
- Confident in their abilities, Borussia Dortmund is determined to implement consistent measures in their approach to the quarterfinals, aiming to upset FC Barcelona and make a lasting impact in the Champions League.
