Good evening everybody and welcome along to another MARCA in English live blog, this time taking you through the Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash between Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, Barcelona.
With LaLiga supremacy in sight, and a Copa del Rey final looming, Hansi Flick‘s side are still in the running for a historic treble, though Europe remains their sternest challenge yet. A 22-match unbeaten run across all competitions highlights Barcelona‘s irresistible form, but they’ll be mindful not to underestimate their German opponents.
Dortmund‘s domestic struggles in the Bundesliga have contrasted sharply with their resilience in Europe. Dortmund have made a habit of grinding out away wins in Europe, triumphing in their last three knockout games on the road. That away record could prove vital given their poor history in Spain, where they’ve only won three of 20 visits.
The Blaugrana have a strong recent record against Dortmund, winning all five previous meetings. Flick has also enjoyed a perfect six-from-six record against BVB from his time at Bayern Munich, including a thrilling 3-2 group stage win earlier this season. On that occasion, Ferran Torres emerged as the hero with two late goals, and he’ll be expected to play a pivotal role once more.
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE – Latest News
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Team News
Barcelona will be without several key names, including goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is out for the season. Veteran Wojciech Szczesny continues to deputise admirably.
Dani Olmo remains sidelined with a muscle problem, while Inigo Martinez faces a late fitness test. Raphinha, rested at the weekend, should return to the XI alongside Ferran Torres and ex-Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. Youngster Lamine Yamal is also expected to start.
For Dortmund, the biggest blow is the loss of Niklas Sule, who is out for the season with a meniscus tear. Marcel Sabitzer is also unavailable, but Kovac can count on the return of Nico Schlotterbeck and Yan Couto. Serhou Guirassy, rested in Dortmund’s last domestic outing, is set to spearhead the attack.
Barcelona possible starting XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Borussia Dortmund possible starting XI: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini, Svensson; Can, Ozcan, Brandt; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier
Where to watch Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund?
For fans in the United Kingdom, Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund can be seen on TNT Sports 2 (discovery+). Fans in Ireland can tune in via RTE, Virgin and Livescore.
US-based fans will be able to see Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund on CBS and TUDN.
What time does Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund start?
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund is a 21:00 CET kick-off, which is local time in Spain. That means fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the game at 20:00 GMT.
Fans in the USA can tune in to watch Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
Read the full article here
