Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, is set to play against Borussia Dortmund in Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup. The game will take place at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday. Barcelona enters this match with a significant advantage after defeating Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg held in Barcelona.
In the first match, Barcelona`s victory was secured with goals from Raphinha, young talent Lamine Yamal, and a double from Robert Lewandowski. This game marks Lewandowski`s return to his former stadium where he played for Borussia Dortmund from 2010 to 2014.
Despite their comfortable lead, coach Flick emphasized the team`s focus and determination during the pre-match press conference. He expressed strong belief in his team, highlighting their unbeaten run and overall performance throughout the season. Flick praised the team`s hard work, fitness, and motivation, especially as they approach the crucial final stages of the season.
Barcelona`s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who is expected to start, reflected on his unexpected journey this season. He mentioned his recent retirement and his surprise at now playing for a top European club. Szczesny conveyed his ambition to win the Champions League, a dream that he hopes to achieve after this unexpected opportunity arose.
Borussia Dortmund`s coach, Niko Kovac, addressed concerns about the fitness of their captain, Emre Can. Can`s participation in the game is uncertain due to ongoing muscular issues. Kovac acknowledged Can`s resilience in playing through pain in recent weeks, but noted he missed the last training session before the Barcelona match.
Projected Starting Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
- XI: Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Pascal Gross, Julian Brandt, Daniel Svensson, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi.
FC Barcelona
- XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha.
