Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Ahead of their direct encounter, both Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona face several squad issues. Recently, both teams have complicated their positions in their respective domestic leagues, yet they have been performing well in the Champions League, with each aiming to secure a top-eight spot.
Borussia Dortmund
Against Dinamo Zagreb (3:0), Borussia Dortmund were highly active in the opponent's half despite the poor pitch conditions (1.75 xG and 17 shots). Even with injuries to Valdemar Anton, Julian Brandt, and Karim Adeyemi, coach Nuri Şahin is trying to maximise the potential of the current squad—draws against Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach (both 1:1) could have ended in wins for Dortmund (1.80 xG and 23 shots in 180 minutes). Notably, in the Champions League, only their upcoming opponents have scored more than them (16 goals) with 18.
Barcelona
Barcelona's draw with Real Betis (2:2) has put them in second place in La Liga in terms of points dropped. In Seville, Hansi Flick lost his composure—earning a dismissal in the middle of the second half and subsequently delivering an intense talk in the dressing room post-match. In European competition, the Catalans overcame Stade Brestois (3:0) after the November break, where Robert Lewandowski scored twice (he is the top scorer in the UCL with seven goals), and the team created 2.86 xG.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Prediction
Robert Lewandowski's return to Dortmund and the battle between Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona for a top-three spot makes this clash the highlight of the sixth round of the Champions League. We believe these two attacking teams will score at least four goals combined.
