Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Barcelona wasted away a massive chance to strengthen their grip in the 2024-25 LaLiga title after drawing 1-1 at home to Real Betis this past weekend, but Los Blaugranas must turn the page quickly and focus on their next task: the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund.

The Spanish giants should be overwhelming favorites to move into the next round against a Dortmund side that has been a disappointment at the domestic level. However, Dortmund always put up a fight in the European stage, and they won’t go down without swinging in this tie, either, despite being massive underdogs on paper.

Barca Looking To Extend Positive Home Stretch

Barcelona are coming off a 1-1 draw against Real Betis the last time out, but there’s no question they should’ve escaped with the three points after posting a 1.31 xG to Betis’ 0.31. Hansi Flick’s men have been nearly unstoppable at home, and that draw against Betis extended Barca’s undefeated run in the Camp Nou to 11 matches in all competitions (W8, D3).

The Spanish giants also have a psychological advantage ahead of this match, as they already defeated Dortmund by a 3-2 score when these two sides met in the league phase of the tournament earlier this season. Furthermore, Barcelona are undefeated in five previous European matches against BVB (W3, D2) and have won the last two. Those last two wins have witnessed both teams scoring and over 3.5 total goals.

Barcelona Injury & Suspension News

The Blaugranas are waiting to see whether Inigo Martinez will be available, as the centre-back is dealing with a lower-body injury, and if he can’t go, then Ronald Araujo would start alongside Pau Cubarsí at the heart of the defence. Dani Olmo (groin), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Marc Casado (knee) and Marc Bernal (knee) are all out.

Dortmund Ready to Pull Spanish Upset

Dortmund have been heavily criticized throughout the season for their subpar performances at the domestic level, but the team always seems to discover a new level when playing in Europe. At the very least, though, the “Black and Yellow” are showing signs of a turnaround, and their 4-1 win at Freiburg this past weekend means Dortmund has now won three of their last four matches overall.

One thing that stands out when analyzing Dortmund’s recent matches is that these games have been filled with goals more often than not. Those three wins, including the 2-1 victory at Lille in the second leg of the Round of 16 tie, have ended with both teams scoring and over 2.5 total goals. However, three of their last five on the road have finished with two goals or fewer.

Borussia Dortmund Injury & Suspension News

Pascal Gross is out suspended for Dortmund, while Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck will miss this tie with knee injuries. Niklas Sule (undisclosed) is expected to be a game-time decision.

Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction

There’s no question Dortmund have enough in them to be competitive against Barcelona, but it would be a stretch to believe they will return to Germany to prepare for the second leg of this tie with a positive result. Barcelona have been almost unstoppable this season and are at their best at home, and they should cruise their way to victory here, grabbing the lead in the first half and never looking back.

This is going to be a back-and-forth match, and although both teams will be missing key players, Nottingham should have a slight edge, mainly based on the fact they’ve been the better team in the majority of the recent meetings while also having fewer injury concerns than their rivals. Thus, I’m leaning towards a Nottingham Forest win for this match.

CryptoGamba tip: Barcelona to win HT/FT – 1.81 @JackBit