No drama expected: Barcelona poised for easy win over Dortmund to reach last four | OneFootball

Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Statistically, Dortmund are almost already out. Only once in Champions League history has a team come back from a four-goal first-leg deficit. That team? Barcelona.

The Catalans are now on the other side of that narrative. Based on their current form, they are unlikely to suffer the same fate they once inflicted on Paris Saint-Germain.

Barca are on a 24-match unbeaten run and closing in on a historic quadruple. With seven games left, they top La Liga by four points.

They are in the Copa del Rey final and have already lifted the Supercopa. And in Europe, they are cruising.

This Barcelona side may lack the star power of previous teams, but they are not far off in output.

Raphinha has equalled Lionel Messi’s single-season Champions League goal involvement record.

Lamine Yamal continues to break records as a teenager. Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski looks rejuvenated.

So, how does Dortmund manager Niko Kovac frame a comeback that appears more mythical than possible?

“Of course, we want to show a completely different face,” he said on Monday. “We want to win the game.

“But we also know Barcelona have not lost a competitive game this year. That doesn’t make things easy.”

Dortmund have been unconvincing for most of the campaign. Their home form has crumbled. They have won only three of their last 12 at Signal Iduna Park.

That includes a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the group stage. Injuries compound their problems, but the players believe they can battle back.

“We must have faith,” said Felix Nmecha. “With our fans, anything is possible.”

Kovac echoed that sentiment. “We want to be on it from the very first minute,” he said. “We also have to do that because we are facing Barcelona.”

But even with a brave face, this feels like a dead rubber.