Barcelona will host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in the Champions League. Despite Barcelona`s strong position at the top of La Liga and Dortmund`s eighth place in the Bundesliga, Champions League knockout matches can level the playing field. Dortmund`s experience reaching last season`s Champions League final will be valuable, but containing Barcelona`s attack will be a significant challenge.
Barcelona`s formidable attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha poses a major threat, supported by other dangerous players. While Barcelona`s defense might concede opportunities, Dortmund may struggle if the game becomes an open, high-scoring affair, as Barcelona excels in such matches.
Maximilian Beier, Dortmund`s exciting 22-year-old, could be a key player. With impressive recent form, he has the potential to unlock the game for Dortmund. While attention will be on Serhou Guirassy, who has scored many goals this season, Beier could find space to exploit.
Beier, originally a central striker, has adapted to playing on the wing and become a dangerous weapon for Dortmund. He is likely to face Jules Kounde in defense, presenting a tough challenge for the young German, typical of the Champions League where every matchup is difficult and legends are made.
Ultimately, Dortmund`s scoring ability will be irrelevant if they cannot contain Raphinha and Lewandowski, who have collectively scored 20 Champions League goals this season. Barcelona`s prolific scoring in both La Liga and the Champions League means Emre Can must anchor Dortmund`s defense against numerous shots. However, Dortmund will have counter-attacking chances, and the team that capitalizes on these opportunities will win.
Lineup Prediction
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Felix Nmecha, Julian Brandt, Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi
How to watch Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund, odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -290; Draw +440; Borussia Dortmund +650