Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, Prediction, Odds, Betting Tips 09.04.2025

• Date and Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1
• Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Preview and Team News

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona missed the opportunity to widen their lead against Real Madrid in La Liga (who lost against Valencia), drawing 1-1 with Real Betis at home. The Catalans found it difficult to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses, notably due to the fatigue of Lamine Yamal and most of the forwards. 

With Real Betis closing centrally, Alejandro Balde and Yamal were expected to stretch the backline. Both players failed to impress due to a lack of precision in their movements on and off the ball. Ferrán Torres could not replicate his previous performances as a left-winger, rarely finding favourable situations in the final third.

Next up: The Champions League 😤 pic.twitter.com/OGHytXWGYZ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 6, 2025

A mistake from Ronald Araújo allowed Betis to equalize in the first half. Barcelona dominated the rest of the match but failed to convince, struggling to make use of wide spaces.

Barcelona forward Raphinha drew criticism as he exited the pitch angrily. Marc-André Ter Stegen and Hansi Flick prevented him from starting a significant altercation with other players. 

Raphinha, who was benched, admitted being “hot-blooded”, claiming that he’s a “person who does not like losing”. This is not the first time he’s battled to keep calm when things have gone wrong, something he does not hide.

Barcelona predicted line-up vs Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona predicted line-up vs Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; Balde, Cubarsí, Araújo, Koundé; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, López, Yamal; Lewandowski.

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Although Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League quarterfinals, their season has been marked by a stark contrast between domestic and European performances. At home, they were close to ranking as a mid-table team until a few weeks ago. 

In their last five Bundesliga matches, BVB recorded three wins and two defeats, climbing to 8th place. The Schwarz-Gelb defeated Freiburg in a convincing 4-1 victory, now only ranking three points behind European places. 

Yes, please. pic.twitter.com/xM9YweU9gf

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) March 12, 2025

Borussia Dortmund defeated Lille in the Champions League Round of 16, drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Germany but winning the second in Lille (2-1). 

Felix Nmecha, missing in recent weeks due to injury, is expected to recover in time for the clash with Barcelona. His absence partially explains some of the team’s difficulties, as his offensive impact is undeniable as a playmaker. 

As has often been the case in recent seasons, many of Dortmund’s struggles stem from injuries, making it difficult for the coach to find continuity within his squad. A prime example of this is the news that Nico Schlotterbeck has torn the meniscus in his left knee and will no longer be available for BVB in the current season.

Borussia Dortmund predicted line-up vs Barcelona

Borussia Dortmund predicted line-up vs Barcelona (3-4-1-2): Kobel; Özcan, Can, Anton; Chukwuemeka, Svensson, Nmecha, Ryerson; Brandt; Adeyemi, Beier.

Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Head-to-Head Statistics

Although the two clubs are regular participants in the Champions League, it wasn’t until 2019 that they played each other in the group stages of the competition. 

The first match ended in a 0-0 draw, marked by Barcelona dominating possession but failing to find the final move. Dortmund were more conclusive in the final third, and finished with 13 shots, against 7 for Barça.

The goat vs Dortmund 🐐 pic.twitter.com/q7FQTr3SDq

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 7, 2025

However, the second leg at Camp Nou saw a win (3-1), with Suárez, Messi and Griezmann scoring for the Catalans. Sancho scored in the 77th minute, which proved to be insufficient. 

The two teams met again earlier this season, also in the group stages of the CL. Unlike previous encounters, this chaotic game ended in a 3-2 victory for Barcelona at Dortmund. Unable to find stability, both sides exchanged counter-attacks, but substitute Ferrán Torres secured the win with a brace in the final 15 minutes.

Barcelona vs Dortmund Player Focus

Due to fatigue, the Player Focus section for Barcelona will not feature Lamine Yamal or Robert Lewandowski, who have often appeared here. Instead, it’ll be Ferrán Torres, despite a weak display last weekend. 

The Spaniard has distinguished himself as a difference-maker when subbed on in the second half. Dortmund often struggled to maintain consistency throughout the 90’, and with the first leg scheduled in Montjuic, this could be the ideal scenario for Torres to score.

Julian Brandt hasn’t made any decisions about his future yet. He plans to address the matter only in the summer, focusing for now on helping Dortmund salvage their disastrous season. What is certain: Dortmund remains his first choice. However, if the club’s management signals… pic.twitter.com/6xoP97lmAB

— ari (@aritrabvb1909) March 25, 2025

There is little doubt that, given Dortmund’s insistence on counter-attacking football, the main man to watch out for should be Julian Brandt. He’s imposed himself as a playmaker in the team, as most transitions go through the advanced midfielder. With Araújo’s error persisting, one misstep could be enough for Brandt to create a chance in the final third.

Barcelona vs Dortmund Analysis

Barcelona seemed like an unstoppable force until recently, as they dropped points against Real Betis last weekend (1-1). The hosts will look to break through the center, especially with the rise of Frenkie de Jong over the previous month. A major question lies in whether Lewandowski can rise against his ex-club, especially after accumulating so many minutes at his advanced age. 

Barça Pride! 💪
Let’s keep going strong! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/tJ3CN6qwQV

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 6, 2025

On the other hand, Dortmund will look to counter the counters, as their (younger) players will be faster and are likely to catch Barcelona out of position in transitions. However, without Süler and Bensebaini, the question remains whether they can prevent the hosts from scoring in the first place.

Barcelona vs Dortmund Prediction

• Prediction: Barcelona to win
• Odds: 1.35 (22Bet)
• Score Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Dortmund

The match in December 2024 demonstrated that form didn’t matter when it came to two counter-attacking teams, determined by individual performances in front of the goal. 

Barcelona urgently need a victory. Dortmund’s ‘Yellow Wall’ often leads to panic from visitors in the second leg. Barça must be accurate, but given the surplus of individual talent, they’re expected to win at the end of the ninety minutes.

Barcelona vs Dortmund Betting Tip

• Pick: Ferrán Torres to score
• Odds: 2.18 (22Bet)

While Torres has impressed as a substitute throughout the season, he’s rarely made an impact as a starter in the left wing. We’re more likely to see Raphinha starting, meaning Torres is expected to turn up in a cameo in the second half. 

Given Dortmund’s lack of detail when defending and Schlotterbeck’s injury, this is the ideal scenario for the Spaniard to strike again.

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