The first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between Barcelona (Spain) and Borussia Dortmund (Germany) will take place on April 9 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
The Catalans defeated Benfica twice in the previous round (1-0, 3-1). The team has won 8 of their last 9 Champions League matches, scoring at least two goals in all but one of these games. Overall, Barcelona has netted 32 goals, the highest in the current tournament. The Spaniards have reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the second consecutive time, but last season, they failed to progress past this stage, losing to PSG (3-2, 1-4).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Barcelona's last 8 Champions League matches.
- At home, the team has won 8 of their last 10 matches in this tournament (1 draw, 1 loss).
- At least three goals have been scored in Barcelona's last 13 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-3-3)
Wojciech Szczesny – Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez – Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias, Robert Lewandowski.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and midfielders Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo are unavailable.
Borussia Dortmund
In the previous round, the Germans overcame Lille. After a 1-1 draw at home, Niko Kovac's side defeated the French team away with a 2-1 victory. As a result, Dortmund's unbeaten run in the Champions League has reached five matches (3 wins, 2 draws). Notably, Dortmund has failed to score in only one match in the current tournament, and with 28 goals, they trail only Barcelona in total goals scored. Last season, the team faced another Spanish club, Atletico, in the quarter-finals and advanced further (1-2, 4-2).
- The club has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 Champions League matches.
- Dortmund's scoring streak in away Champions League games stands at 11 matches.
- Borussia has not drawn in their last 8 matches in this tournament (5 wins, 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Borussia Dortmund (4-5-1)
Gregor Kobel – Daniel Svensson, Julian Ryerson, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini – Karim Adeyemi, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Julian Brandt, Maximilian Beyer, Emre Can – Serhou Guirassy.
Midfielder Pascal Gross is suspended. Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer and defender Nico Schlotterbeck are injured.
Referee
Espen Eskas (Norway)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 51;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 25%.
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund: Match Prediction
The opponents met in the group stage of the current Champions League in Dortmund, where the Catalans secured a 3-2 victory. After that match, Barcelona lost two consecutive La Liga games but then went on to win 18 of their last 22 official matches (with 4 draws). Borussia, however, has shown modest results since then. Even in the national championship, Niko Kovac's team is in the middle of the table. The Spaniards, who have won 8 of their last 10 home Champions League matches, are rightly favored in the upcoming encounter.
I also believe the teams will once again deliver a high-scoring affair. The opponents have already scored a combined 60 goals in the current Champions League. Barcelona, in particular, is impressive in this regard. The Catalans have scored at least twice in 9 of their last 10 home Champions League games, and in six of those matches, they have scored at least three goals. Dortmund, meanwhile, has scored in 11 consecutive away games in the Champions League. The Germans should have chances against the regularly conceding Spaniards.
My prediction: Barcelona to win and Total Over 2.5 goals
