UEFA Champions League Handicapping Preview: Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona, one of the top favorites to lift this year’s Champions League trophy, host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night. The match will be held at the iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuic. This game is a blockbuster first leg of their quarterfinal clash.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have lit up Europe with their fluid, high-octane attacking football. They have been cruising through the competition in style. Their scintillating form and unbeaten streak of 22 matches (winning 18 of them) have firmly established them as front-runners in the race for European glory.

Awaiting the winner of this tie could be either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. This adds even more weight to an already tantalizing clash.

Revenge, Redemption & Records at Stake

For Barcelona, this matchup brings echoes of their painful 2010 semi-final exit to Inter. For Dortmund, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after years of heartbreak. Particularly at the hands of domestic rivals Bayern Munich. They aim to return to back-to-back Champions League finals.

However, the task ahead is monumental for the Bundesliga outfit. Despite their recent three-game away win streak in Champions League knockout ties, Dortmund arrives in Catalonia facing a team firing on all cylinders.

Hansi Flick’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis over the weekend. Gavi opened the scoring before Natan equalized. Still, that minor stumble does little to overshadow their incredible performances under the German’s guidance. This tenure has already seen them lift the Spanish Super Cup and secure a place in the Copa del Rey final. They achieved this after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate triumph over Atletico Madrid.

Flick’s Focus & Ferran’s Fire

The Blaugrana’s ambitions for a historic quadruple remain alive. Their immediate focus, though, is on overcoming Borussia Dortmund. They edged 3-2 in the group stage. This win was thanks to a late brace from Ferran Torres. The Spanish forward continues to be a clutch performer. He recently netted the decisive goal against Atletico Madrid in the Copa semi-final second leg.

Despite recent injury woes, including long-term absences for Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, Flick has found reliability in veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The veteran has stepped up admirably.

Brazil winger Raphinha is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested at the weekend. He will join forces with Lamine Yamal and ex-Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski in what promises to be a lethal front three.

Borussia Dortmund’s Uphill Battle

Lars Ricken, Current Borussia Dortmund CEO who inspired the club’s previous Champions League triumph in 1997, will hope to boost the morale of his squad ahead of this week’s trip to Barcelona.

In fact, Borussia Dortmund’s European form has been their saving grace in an otherwise lackluster domestic campaign. Currently eighth in the Bundesliga, Niko Kovac’s men are five points adrift of the top four. This makes Champions League success potentially their only path back into the tournament next season.

A 5-2 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid earlier this campaign added to Dortmund’s poor record in Spain. They have just 3 wins in 20 visits, and they’ve never beaten Barcelona in five previous encounters. To make the situation even more complicated, The Black and Yellow were dealt a huge blow earlier this week. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck will be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

While midfielder Marcel Sabitzer remains sidelined with a knee issue, Yan Couto and Niklas Süle are set to return. Up front, it’s likely Serhou Guirassy, who bagged a brace in the 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the League Phase last autumn, will spearhead the attack after being rested over the weekend.

Key Stats & Prediction

Barcelona are unbeaten in 5 previous matches vs Dortmund
Flick holds a 100% managerial record against BVB (6 wins from 6)
Borussia Dortmund have scored in 11 consecutive Champions League away games
The Blaugrana are chasing a quadruple, already winning 1 trophy this season
A potential El Clasico final in Copa del Rey still looms large

Possible Starting Lineups of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona: Wojciech Szczssny – Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Inigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha – Robert Lewandowski. (4-2-3-1)

Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel – Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini – Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Salih Ozcan, Daniel Svensson – Julian Brandt – Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy. (3-4-1-2)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

Given their dominance, squad depth, and home advantage, Barcelona are overwhelming favourites to secure a first-leg lead. Borussia Dortmund’s scoring record on the road could see them net one, but they’ll need much more to halt this Barça juggernaut. Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund’s ability to find the back of the opposition’s net when they travel may build up some intrigue. They have scored in each of their last 11 Champions League away games (excluding last year’s final).

For those eyeing the betting markets ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League quarterfinals, all signs point to a high-scoring affair. Barcelona is heavily favored at Everygame to secure a first-leg advantage. Priced at -357 to win the first leg, the Catalan giants are expected to dominate, especially on home soil. Their attacking performance has been relentless.

Backing Blaugrana to win and both teams to score offers far better value at +140. This is a tempting pick considering the Germans’ potency in transition and recent European form. Meanwhile, for our readers expecting early fireworks, Over 1.5 first-half goals at +100 could be well worth a look. This is particularly given Barcelona’s tendency to start fast and Dortmund’s vulnerability at the back.

With the Bundesliga representative longshots at +800 and the draw sitting at +500, the smart money leans toward a home win. This is not without a fight from BVB.