Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Key events
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1 min Barcelona, donning their Cagliari-style kit of split red and blue, initiate the match kicking from right to left.
Updated at 21.04 CEST
The players gather in the center circle to honor Wilhelm Burgsmuller, a Dortmund legend, who recently passed away at the age of 93.
Match line-ups
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1) Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini, Yan Couto, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson; Beier, Adeyemi; Guirassy.
Bench: Meyer, Laurenz Lotka, Ozcan, Reyna, Brandt, Duranville, Ryerson, Watjen, Mane, Kabar, Bynoe-Gittens.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1) Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Gerard; de Jong, Gavi; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Subs: Pena, Kochen, Martinez, Torres, Gonzalez, Fati, Torre, Christensen, Victor, Olmo, Garcia, Fort.
Match official: Maurizio Mariani from Italy
“Finding it difficult to generate excitement for these matchups,” shares observer Joe Pearson. “This Barcelona squad is far from the glory days of Messi and Suarez, just as this Dortmund team lacks the prowess of 2019 Liverpool. A remarkable comeback seems unlikely. On the other hand, today’s PSG isn’t the team of past seasons. A nap might be in order (retirement has its perks). No offense meant.”
I agree; while a thrilling match at Villa Park is possible, I anticipate that Barcelona and PSG will secure their paths to the final.
Supporters at Signal Iduna Park are brimming with enthusiasm, as are the fans of Barcelona.
Updated at 21.01 CEST
Historical encounters
Surprisingly, this marks the first occasion for these distinguished clubs to clash in the knockout phase of a European competition. Their previous encounters include:
1997-98: UEFA Super Cup
Barcelona 2-0 Dortmund
Dortmund 1-1 Barcelona
2019-20: Champions League Group Stage
Dortmund 0-0 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-1 Dortmund
2024-25: League Stage
Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona
2024-25: Quarter-final
Barcelona 4-0 Dortmund
Barcelona has made four adjustments from their recent victory over Levante on Saturday. Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi step in for the injured Alejandro Balde, along with Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez, and Pedri.
Updated at 20.42 CEST
Borussia Dortmund also introduces four changes following a 2-2 tie with Bayern Munich at the weekend.
In Yan Couto, Ramy Bensebaini, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi.
Out Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Julian Ryerson, Salih Ozcan.
Tonight’s other Champions League matchup looks promising: Aston Villa vs. Paris Saint-Germain (1-3 on aggregate). Scott Murray will cover that match.
Players facing yellow cards
Borussia Dortmund: Yan Couto, Bensebaini, Guirassy, Beier, Adeyemi.
Barcelona: Martinez.
Team updates
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1) Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini, Yan Couto, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson; Beier, Adeyemi; Guirassy.
Bench: Meyer, Laurenz Lotka, Ozcan, Reyna, Brandt, Duranville, Ryerson, Watjen, Mane, Kabar, Bynoe-Gittens.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1) Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Gerard; de Jong, Gavi; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Subs: Pena, Kochen, Martinez, Torres, Gonzalez, Fati, Torre, Christensen, Victor, Olmo, Garcia, Fort.
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
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Updated at 20.02 CEST
Match Overview
Greetings and welcome to the live coverage of Borussia Dortmund versus Barcelona in the Champions League. While the anticipation may seem muted, it’s important to note that Barcelona boasts a substantial 4-0 advantage from the first leg, positioning them favorably for a semi-final appearance for the first time since 2019.
Yet, memories of the past linger. The 2019 semi-final serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of football; Barcelona entered Anfield with a potent trio of Messi, Suarez, and a three-goal lead. The final outcome is well-known. Should Dortmund manage to overcome the odds tonight, it would undoubtedly be one of the most remarkable comebacks in football lore.
Kick-off: 8 PM BST.
Source
www.theguardian.com