Overview
- Barcelona, unbeaten in 2025 and leading LaLiga, aims to secure a strong result in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
- Dortmund, last season's runners-up, faces significant challenges with key injuries, including defender Nico Schlotterbeck, and inconsistent Bundesliga form.
- Raphinha, the Champions League’s top scorer with 11 goals, and Robert Lewandowski, who has 27 goals in 27 matches against Dortmund, lead Barcelona's potent attack.
- Dortmund coach Niko Kovac emphasizes discipline and exploiting Barcelona's weaknesses, while Hansi Flick stresses focus and hard work for his side.
- Barcelona holds a psychological edge with an unbeaten record in five previous European encounters against Dortmund, including a 3-2 group-stage win in December.