The Champions League new formula offers us a gala poster, Wednesday at 9 p.m., on the lawn of the Westfalenstadion. Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona, the two best attacks in the competition, are pitted against each other in a match to consolidate their place at the top of the rankings. The locals, 4th, want to get ahead of the visitors, 3rd, in order to consolidate their place in the Top 8.
On paper, this trip to Dortmund is one of the most complicated of the season for the Catalans. Beaten in Monaco (2-1) and victorious in Belgrade (1-5), the men of Hansi Flick want to win their last European match of the year 2024. Westfalenstadion is a real fortress for Borussia, who has not lost in 13 matches in the Champions League. In the Bundesliga, he only lost two points, against Bayern Munich this season (1-1).
Flick and Lewy know BVB well
This match comes as the FC Barcelona is going through a period of doubt, despite its position as provisional leader in La Liga. The Catalans have won only one of their last five matches in La Liga and have just conceded a draw in Seville against Betis (2-2).
This shock against Borussia Dortmund is, however, an opportunity to smile again. Faced with the European vice-champions, Barça has the opportunity to send a message. The Blaugrana have proven that they can beat anyone this season (0-4 at the Santiago Bernabeu, 4-1 against Bayern Munich…) and he must repeat this type of performance. Especially since their coach won his 5 matches against BVB.
With 27 goals scored in his 26 matches against Borussia Dortmund, Robert Lewandowski knows the recipe to shake the nets at Signal Iduna Park.
Guirassy and Gittens, the main threats
Regardless, winning in Dortmund is never easy. In Germany, Barça has only won one of its last eight matches. During the last match in this same stadium, he conceded a draw (0-0) and Ter Stegen saved a penalty from Marco Reus.
From now on, it is Iñaki Peña who will have to ensure in front of G, Guirassy and Gittens, considered to be the main offensive threats. In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund is 6th with 21 points, 12 less than Bayern. Barça will be cheered by 3,323 spectators during this perilous trip. They arrive from Barcelona, Krakow, Poznan, Stuttgart and even Liège. Let the show begin!
