Wed Apr 09 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Favored Against Dortmund in Champions League Quarter-Final Clash

**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona enters their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund as heavy favorites, boasting an impressive 22-game unbeaten streak in 2025 (18 wins, 4 draws). The match, kicking off at 3 PM ET (12 PM PT/1 PM MX) at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, pits Hansi Flick’s Barcelona against Niko Kovac’s Dortmund.

Barcelona’s strong form contrasts with Dortmund’s struggles, which include several key injuries and suspensions. Dortmund manager Kovac, who previously worked alongside Flick at Bayern Munich, will be without Nico Schlotterbeck, Marcel Sabitzer, and Pascal Gross. Flick, meanwhile, will be missing Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casadó, and Dani Olmo, while Iñigo Martínez is one yellow card away from suspension. Fermín López replaces Gavi in the starting XI for Barcelona.

Despite the absences, Dortmund has never beaten Barcelona, holding a record of three losses and two draws in their five previous encounters. Their last meeting in December saw a commanding Barcelona victory. This quarter-final clash comes as the Champions League favorites, Real Madrid, suffered a heavy defeat to Arsenal, opening the door for other contenders. The match will be officiated by Espen Eskas of Norway.

**Starting Lineups:**

**FC Barcelona:** Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López, Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski.

**Borussia Dortmund:** Kobel, Ryerson, Anton, Emre Can, Bensebaini, Nmecha, Julian Brandt, Chukwuemeka, Gittens, Beier, Adeyemi, Guirassy.

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