Barcelona vs Dortmund UCL Quarter-Final Preview: Prediction, Team News, Key Players

Barcelona are set to welcome Borussia Dortmund for the second time this season in the UEFA Champions League, and given their past head-to-head record, the Spanish giants will be confident of progressing to the semi-finals.

Barcelona vs Dortmund Match preview

After dispatching Benfica 4-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16, Hansi Flick’s men enter this tie as strong favourites. Dortmund, meanwhile, edged past Lille in a tightly contested 4-3 two-legged encounter, but their inconsistency remains a pressing concern.

This season, no side has scored more goals in the Champions League than Barcelona. With a tournament-high 35 goals, they’ve blown teams away with their electric attacking brand of football. At the heart of that brilliance are Raphinha (11 goals) and Robert Lewandowski (9 goals), who have been tormenting defences with ease.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Barcelona

• 17/03/25 — Atletico 2-4 Barcelona
• 28/03/25 — Barcelona 3-0 Osasuna
• 30/03/25 — Barcelona 4-1 Girona
• 03/04/25 — Atletico 0-1 Barcelona
• 06/04/25 — Barcelona 1-1 Real Betis

Dortmund

• 08/03/25 — Augsburg 1-0 Dortmund
• 13/03/25 — Lille 1-2 Dortmund
• 16/03/25 — RB Leipzig 2-0 Dortmund
• 30/03/25 — Dortmund 3-1 Mainz
• 05/04/25 — Freiburg 1-4 Dortmund

Team News

FC Barcelona’s midfield has also been a major strength, despite the absence of several key players. Injuries to Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, along with Inigo Martínez’s back problem and Marc-André ter Stegen’s knee issue, have left Flick with limited options. To make matters worse, rising star Pau Cubarsí is suspended following a straight red card.

Defensively, the absence of pair of Inigo and Cubarsí will leave a gaping hole that Dortmund will look to exploit.

While Dortmund have struggled for consistency in Europe and their domestic league, their hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean striker has been sensational in his debut campaign, scoring 10 Champions League goals and over 20 in all competitions.

However, injuries continue to plague Niko Kovac’s squad. Niklas Süle, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Mane, and Nico Schlotterbeck are all sidelined, while Patrick Groß is suspended. This could severely limit their ability to match Barça’s tempo and creativity.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two teams have faced off five times in the Champions League before—Barcelona have won three and drawn two, with their most recent victory coming earlier this season.

Recent Meetings:

• 11/12/24 — Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona
• 27/11/19 — Barcelona 3-1 Dortmund
• 17/09/19 — Dortmund 0-0 Barcelona
• 11/03/98 — Dortmund 1-1 Barcelona
• 08/01/98 — Barcelona 2-0 Dortmund

Prediction

We say: Barcelona 4-1 Dortmund

Though Dortmund remain a dangerous side capable of springing surprises, it’s Barcelona who seem poised to take control of this tie—especially at home.

The Blaugrana will look to make home advantage count in this first leg, despite defensive vulnerabilities. Dortmund’s Guirassy may pose a serious threat, but Barcelona’s attacking fluency and Champions League pedigree should be enough to secure a first-leg lead.

Possible starting lineup:

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Svensson, Anton, Can, Ryerson; Nmecha, Chukwuemeka; Gittens, Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.

When and where to watch