Ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash, we have the Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona preview, prediction, latest team news and confirmed lineups.
Borussia Dortmund Vs Barcelona Preview
Despite their recent back-to-back draws in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund will be aiming to continue their fine form in Europe’s elite club competition.
Going into matchday 6, Dortmund are fourth in the table having taken 12 points from 15. Their only defeat came against Real Madrid when they were beaten 5-2.
Overall, BVB have scored an impressive 16 goals in their opening five games. Seven of those came in the home trouncing against Celtic on October 1.
Last time out, Jamie Gittens, Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy netted in a 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagbreb. That victory leaves the Germans on the cusp of qualification to the knockout stages.
Home form has proven vital to the Black and Yellows success so far this season. Rivals Bayern Munich are the only side to come away from Signal Iduna Park with a point in all competitions in 2024/25.
🆙 next: Els Blaugrana pic.twitter.com/1fJwhF7R9r
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) December 9, 2024
Barcelona’s Ruthless UCL Form To Continue?
FC Barcelona have endured some rather topsy-turvy form of late. More dropped points on Saturday in the race for the La Liga title will have dampened the mood ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Since November 10, Barca have only won twice in a six-game run. However, they have never lost to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League so will be keen to keep hold of that statistic.
Like their opponents, Hansi Flick’s side also boast 12 points from the opening five fixtures. The only blemish came on matchday 1 when Monaco clinched a fine 2-1 win.
Since then, the Spanish giants have beaten Young Boys, Bayern Munich, Red Star and Brest by an aggregate score of 17-3. Last time out against the latter, Robert Lewandowski netted his 100th goal in the competition.
Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites in the UK make Barca the 11/10 favourites. Dortmund can be backed at 12/5 with the draw 3/1.
Borussia Dortmund Vs Barcelona Team News
Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are both rated 50/50 for Borussia Dortmund and will need to be assessed before a decision is made on their potential participation.
Maximilian Beier is definately ruled out alongside Waldemar Anton. Defender Niklas Sule is also a doubt after he suffered an ankle injury on the weekend.
American international Gio Reyna has missed the majority of the 2024/25 campaign but has featured in the last three league games. The Sunderland-born star will once again settle for a place on the bench.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona have no fresh injury concerns after the 2-2 draw with Real Betis on Saturday. Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Ansu Fati are all still ruled out.
Goalkeeper Inaki Pena will once again be inbetween the sticks with Marc-Andre ter Stegen out for the season. The attacking quartet of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski will start up top.
Time to take care of business. pic.twitter.com/ViXRBlQ4nN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 9, 2024
Borussia Dortmund Vs Barcelona Confirmed Lineups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Nmecha; Duranville, Reyna, Gittens; Guirassy
Barcelona: Inaki Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Pedri, Casado, Olmo; Yamal, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Borussia Dortmund Vs Barcelona Prediction
On paper, this is certainly the game of the week and we fully expect the scoreline to reflect that. Both sides have netted for fun in the UEFA Champions League this season and that will likely continue in Germany.
Dortmund have been lethal at home and Barcelona have started to wobble in recent weeks. Therefore, we are going to predict a slender BVB win in a five-goal thriller.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Barcelona
