Two European giants collide on Wednesday night as Borussia Dortmund host Barcelona, in a much-anticipated Champions League showdown.
With both teams sitting comfortably in the top four of the league phase table, this encounter at Signal Iduna Park promises to deliver an electrifying mix of drama, skill, and high stakes.
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A Rare but Riveting Rivalry
Dortmund and Barca’s encounters in European football are few but memorable. Despite their rich history, the two clubs have rarely crossed paths, making this clash even more special.
Dortmund, under new manager Nuri Sahin, are chasing their first-ever competitive victory over Barcelona at home, while Barcelona seeks to maintain their dominant form in the Champions League.
The hosts have displayed moments of brilliance in Europe this season, delivering impressive performances against Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic, and Club Brugge. However, inconsistency has plagued their domestic campaign, as they currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga after another frustrating draw over the weekend.
Barcelona, meanwhile, top La Liga but showed signs of fatigue in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis. Hansi Flick’s side has relied heavily on a core group of players, with limited options coming off the bench. Can they muster the energy to overcome Dortmund’s formidable home support?
Borussia Dortmund:
- Recent Results: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 Dortmund, Dortmund 1-1 Bayern Munich, Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Dortmund
- While their European performances have been stellar, inconsistency at home has cost Dortmund valuable points in the Bundesliga.
Barcelona:
- Recent Results: Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona, Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona, Barcelona 1-2 Las Palmas
- Barca’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent matches, and their inability to control games without the ball has raised concerns.
Team News: Key Players and Injury Woes
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund’s backline is severely depleted, with Niklas Sule and Waldemar Anton ruled out due to injuries. Sule’s ankle issue during their draw at Gladbach adds to their defensive woes, leaving manager Nuri Sahin to consider Emre Can as a makeshift center-back.
Maximiliano Beier is another casualty, but there’s hope for Dortmund fans as Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are expected to feature after recovering from their respective setbacks.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Nmecha; Malen, Brandt, Gittens; Guirassy.
Barcelona
Barca’s injury situation has slightly improved with the inclusion of Ronald Araujo in the traveling squad after a lengthy layoff. However, Hansi Flick is unlikely to rush Araujo back into the starting XI. The Catalans remain without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Ansu Fati, and Andreas Christensen.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
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Tactical Battles: Where the Game Will Be Won
- Midfield Control: The midfield battle will be pivotal. Dortmund’s Sabitzer and Nmecha will aim to disrupt Barca’s flow, while Pedri’s vision and creativity will be crucial for the visitors.
- Wide Play: Barcelona’s wingers, especially the prodigious Lamine Yamal, will look to exploit Dortmund’s makeshift defense. Dortmund, on the other hand, will rely on Donyell Malen’s pace to test Barcelona’s fragile backline.
- Set Pieces: With both defenses struggling, set pieces could prove decisive. Schlotterbeck’s aerial presence and Lewandowski’s poaching ability will be key factors.
Signal Iduna Park is a fortress, and Dortmund’s passionate fans will undoubtedly create an intimidating atmosphere for Barcelona. The hosts are known for rising to the occasion on European nights, and despite their defensive concerns, their attack remains potent enough to challenge Barcelona’s shaky defense.
Barca’s reliance on a thin squad is beginning to show, and their away form in Europe has been less than convincing. While the Catalans have the firepower to trouble Dortmund, their defensive frailties could be their undoing.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Barcelona
How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
Referee: Francois Letexier (FRA)
Where to Watch:
- UK: TNT Sports 4, discovery+
- US: Paramount+, fuboTV, TUDN USA, Univision
- Canada: DAZN Canada
