How Will Barcelona Line Up Against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Quarter-Finals?

Barcelona are preparing for one of the most pivotal clashes of their season as they host Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025 quarter-finals at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.With fans eager to know how will Barcelona line up against Borussia Dortmund, the buzz is building around what kind of tactical approach Hansi Flick will take for this crucial showdown.

The Catalan giants, currently leading La Liga, have a fantastic opportunity to secure a first-leg advantage before stepping into the intense atmosphere of Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park next week—famously known as the Yellow Wall.

How Will Barcelona Line Up Against Borussia Dortmund? – Predicted XI and Match Strategy

The big question ahead of the Barcelona vs Dortmund first leg is: what will Flick’s game plan look like, and who will make the Barcelona starting XI?

Let’s dive into the Barcelona predicted lineup, breaking down the defence, midfield, and attack.

Defenders: Who Will Anchor the Back Line?

In big matches, Flick tends to trust experience and chemistry at the back. Despite Ronald Araujo being available, it’s likely he’ll go with the proven pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, who have been solid throughout the campaign.

Jules Kounde is expected to start at right-back, while Alejandro Balde provides width and attacking support from the left. This setup will be crucial in handling Borussia Dortmund’s counter-attacking threats.

Midfield Setup: Gavi vs Fermín López

One of the key decisions in this Champions League quarter-final is who starts as the advanced midfielder. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are almost certain to start in the double pivot, but the number 10 role remains a question.

Gavi has shown flashes of form recently and scored over the weekend. His pressing ability and defensive work make him a solid choice. However, Fermín López brings an attacking instinct that Barcelona might need if they struggle to break down Dortmund’s likely five-man backline.

Choosing between control (Gavi) and creativity (Fermín) will say a lot about Hansi Flick’s lineup priorities.

Forward Line: No Surprises Expected

For fans wondering about the Barcelona team news, the attacking trio is almost a given in big games:

• Lamine Yamal on the right

• Robert Lewandowski through the middle

• Raphinha on the left

Even with Ferran Torres in fine form, Lewandowski remains the go-to man in front of goal. Raphinha, despite recent off-field drama, has often delivered on Champions League nights, and this could be another moment for him to shine on the European stage.

Barcelona Predicted XI vs Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde
Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, Gavi
Attackers: Yamal (right), Raphinha (left), Lewandowski (centre)

This Barcelona starting lineup reflects Flick’s blend of youth, experience, and tactical flexibility.

Final Thoughts: How Will Barcelona Line Up Against Borussia Dortmund?

So, how will Barcelona line up against Borussia Dortmund in this critical Champions League encounter? The expected tactical setup suggests a solid 4-2-3-1 formation, with Flick leaning on key players who’ve delivered all season long.

From Barcelona match predictions to fan debates on Gavi vs Fermín, there’s no shortage of talking points. While Borussia Dortmund’s lineup may be affected by injuries, they remain a dangerous team that shouldn’t be underestimated—especially given their run to the final last year.

If Barcelona execute their plan well and leverage their home advantage, they could take a big step toward reaching the Final Four.

Stay tuned for our post-match analysis, tactical breakdowns, and everything you need to know about this thrilling Champions League quarter-final clash.

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