It will be a clash between two heavyweights when Barcelona trade tackles with German side Borussia at the Signal Iduna Park in December.
Dortmund have been struggling in the Bundesliga, as they sit 7th, 10 points off the leaders Bayern Munich. However, the Black and Yellows have been decent in the Champions League, as they sit 7th, with nine points after four games.
Borussia Dortmund started the competition on a good note, claiming a 3-0 win over Belgian Champions Club Brugge. It was a balanced game, but Club Brugge lost their heads in the last 14 minutes and conceded three goals.
In their second game, the Black and Yellows squared off against Celtic, and it was a festival of goals. Borussia Dortmund steamrolled Celtic 7-1, with Karim Adeyemi hitting a hattrick, Serious Guirassy nicking a brace, and Emre Can with Felix Nmecha scoring one each.
However, Dortmund were unable to continue their run, as they fell in their third game, and it was in cataclysmic fashion. The Black and Yellows looked like they were set for a historic victory after putting two past Real Madrid in the first half. But Los Blancos returned with fire in their bellies and produced a masterclass in the second half to claim a 5-2 win.
Borussia Dortmund's last game in the Champions League was against Sturm Graz, a game where they were overwhelming favourites. They dominated the game and had many chances, but they could only take one and had to settle for a 1-0 win.
Meanwhile, The Blaugrana are enjoying a comeback season, as their fortunes have rapidly improved since the appointment of former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick as their coach.
Barcelona has been firing on all cylinders, in Spain and away this season. They currently sit sixth on the table, with three wins from four games. Their first game was against Monaco at the Stade Louis II. The Balugrana looked like the better side from the blast of the whistle, but tragedy struck when Eric Garcia was shown a straight red card just after 11 minutes. That action took the game away from Barcelona, as ,despite a big fight, they still succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.
Their second game was against relatively easier opposition, as they welcomed Swiss giants Young Boys to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. It eventually turned out to be a spanking for the visitors, as Barcelona won 5-0. Goals from Robert Lewandowski (2), Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, and Mohamed Camara (OG).
Barcelona locked horns with German big boys Bayern Munich in their third game, in what was a highly anticipated fixture. However, the Blaugrana made light work of Bayern Munich. Raphina was the Man of the Match, as he scored a hattrick, while Lewandowski added one to ensure it ended 4-1. In their last Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade, Barcelona shone again. They put five past the Serbian side at the Stadion Rajko Mitic as the game ended 5-2.
With nine points apiece, the game between Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona promises to be a spectacle. Under Flick, Barcelona has been scoring goals for fun. They have the most goals in the competition (15). And while they have conceded five goals, many clubs are still struggling to break the high line.
The Signal Iduna Park is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe, and their vociferous fans could make things tough for a very young Barcelona side.
Match tickets
The epic match at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund kicks off on Wednesday, 11th of December 2024 at 20:00 GMT.
The 81, 365-capacity stadium is the venue for this heavyweight clash between the former winners of the competition.
Getting Borussia Dortmund v Barcelona tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, are in a better situation. Karim Adeyemi has been struggling with a thigh injury, but he should be back for the fixture. However, Niklas Sule is a big doubt due to an ankle injury. Giovanni Reyna, Jamie Gittens, and Waldemar Anton are injured, but they should have returned to full action before the game.
Borussia Dortmund XI: Gregor Kobel; Julian Ryerson, Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ramy Bensebaini; Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Donyell Malen, Serhou Guirassy
Barcelona have many players on the treatment table. Garcia is back in training and should be back for the game, Lewandowski has been dealing with a back injury, but he should be back on time for the fixture.
Ferran Torres and Ronald Araujo have returned to training after suffering muscle injuries and should be back in time for the game. However, Yamal is still a double as his recovery from an ankle injury has been slow. Meanwhile, Marc Andre Ter Stergen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal remain long-term absentees. Ansu Fati will miss the game, as he will be out of action until mid-December due to a muscle injury.
Barcelona XI: Inaki Pena; Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde; Pedri, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha
Prediction
Most of Barcelona's games have been high-octane and end-to-end. And this is not expected to be different because Borussia Dortmund also know how to attack with their young attacking talents.
Barcelona have become known for their disciplined high line, which has saved them a lot of times this season. However, Borussia Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin will be expected to arrange situations that will help his side beat Barcelona's masterful highline.
Dortmund have scored at least once in all their home games this season, and that means that it will be tough for Barcelona to keep it tight at the back. The Blaugrana have also scored in all their Champions League games this season. So it will be difficult for Barcelona to be stopped, especially if Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha play.
On the balance of quality, Barcelona have a better squad. Flick is no stranger to defeating Borussia Dortmund, as he did that on different occasions when he was at Bayern Munich. Hence, Barcelona should do just enough to get a win from the tie. Meanwhile, Get your Borussia Dortmund tickets on time though.
Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Barcelona
