Barcelona’s Champions League journey took a dramatic turn Tuesday night. Despite a 3-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park, a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg secured their place in the semifinals. However, the match highlighted a concerning trend: a struggle to manage leads and protect results. Serhou Guirassy’s hat-trick for Dortmund sent shockwaves through the Camp Nou faithful, temporarily overshadowing the overall victory.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, acknowledged the team’s subdued mood in the dressing room following the final whistle. He revealed that it took some effort to remind his players of their significant accomplishment – reaching the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019. The collective disappointment was palpable, a testament to the players’ high expectations and desire for consistent victories.
Flick also addressed the team’s subpar performance, attributing it partially to the high volume of recent matches and the intense atmosphere at the Signal Iduna Park. He emphasized the importance of analyzing the game, but ultimately expressed satisfaction with the season’s overall performance and the team’s continued presence in three competitions. The Champions League semifinal berth, he stressed, is a remarkable achievement.
The match also exposed some vulnerabilities within the Barça squad. The absence of key players like Pedri, Iñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde (injured) undoubtedly impacted the team’s dynamic. Dortmund’s strong start and Guirassy’s goals showcased Barça’s defensive lapses, a worrying sign as they move into the next round.
Jules Koundé, a key defender, echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing both happiness at reaching the semifinals and disappointment with the team’s performance. He pointed to the team’s failure to replicate the pressing and passing precision seen in the first leg, attributing the loss to avoidable mistakes and moments of inattention. He remains optimistic though, focusing on the team’s overall strong season and the need to maintain their momentum.
With LaLiga dominance to maintain and a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on the horizon, Barcelona have little time to dwell on their narrow escape. The challenge now is to address the weaknesses exposed in Dortmund and ensure a stronger showing in the Champions League semifinals. Their next opponents, either Bayern Munich or Inter Milan, will certainly be formidable tests.
