Champions League PREVIEW | Borussia Dortmund (0) vs (4) Barcelona | OneFootball

Last season’s UEFA Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund need a miracle in the quarter-final second leg this time out as they trail Barcelona 4-0 heading into Tuesday’s clash at the Signal Iduna Park.

Die Schwarzgelben will be without Nico Schlotterbeck and Marcel Sabitzer while Emre Can trained individually – because of a recent adductor injury – ahead of their game against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

Although a phenomenal performance is needed, there is some hope given miracles that have happened in the past. Speaking in Monday’s press conference, it’s something that Niko Kovac highlighted.

“Miracles happen all the time,” said the Croat. “But Barcelona have not lost a game in 2025, which makes the challenge much more difficult. It won’t be easy.”

Barcelona’s dangermen

Since Barcelona’s last defeat on Christmas Eve, Robert Lewandowski and Co. have won 20 and drawn four across all competitions. The Pole has scored 11 goals in 11 Champions League games this season, taking his tally to 40 goals and three assists in 46 games across all competitions.

Raphinha is also eyeing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record. The Brazilian opened the scoring for Barcelona last week which takes his goal contributions (goals and assists) to 19 in 11 games this season with Ronaldo’s record being 22 in the 2013/14 campaign for Real Madrid.

Julian Ryerson will have to be at his very best to deny the Brazilian at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday night and he will need every bit of help from whomever Kovac opts to play in front of the Norwegian.

Lamine Yamal is another player that Dortmund must find an answer for. The Spaniard scored his 14th goal of the season in the reverse fixture, doubling his goal tally from the previous campaign (7).

Who can be the gamechanger for Borussia Dortmund?

Serhou Guirassy has scored 12 goals in his last 19 games and although an anonymous performance against Barcelona in the reverse fixture, the Guinean will be key to a Dortmund win on Tuesday. The 29-year-old created the equaliser for Dortmund against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday and BVB’s top scorer this season will have to be on his A game.

But it’s imperative that he has support. For Guirassy to be at his absolute best, he needs players around him. Maximilian Beier will likely retain his place in Dortmund’s XI and the two finding their rhythm could give Dortmund a slim chance at the Signal Iduna Park.

What did they say:

Niko Kovac (Borussia Dortmund): “We’re aware of the situation. We want to show a completely different face tomorrow than in the first leg and win the match. Miracles happen all the time, but we also know that Barcelona haven’t lost a competitive match in 2025.”

Hansi Flick (Barcelona): “We’re coming off a 4-0 win in the first leg. We’re trying to play at our best, and I think in games like these we have to be very focused and stick to the way we play. Tomorrow’s match will be very difficult. I want my team to enjoy playing against one of the most important teams in all of Europe.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder