Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals despite loss to Dortmund

Hansi Flick praises team’s resilience after narrow escape against Borussia Dortmund.

Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Eric Garcia of Barcelona applaud the fans after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany, on April 15, 2025. Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona have reached the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg on Tuesday night, with head coach Hansi Flick insisting that his side earned their place in the final four. Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals captures a moment of relief for the Catalan giants, who are still chasing a treble in Flick’s first season.

The result may have been a loss on the night, but Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 victory in the first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys proved decisive. That commanding performance forced Dortmund to attempt a near-impossible comeback at Signal Iduna Park. Despite an inspired hat-trick from Serhou Guirassy that turned the second leg into a tense affair, Barcelona’s aggregate cushion proved just enough to see them through with a 5-3 aggregate scoreline.

Flick satisfied with outcome despite Dortmund defeat

Speaking after the match, Hansi Flick said that while his team struggled in Dortmund, their overall effort across both legs justified progression.

“We played two games and it's justified that we're through. I don't want to talk too much about my team, because it wouldn't be fair to Dortmund,” Flick told reporters.

Flick was candid in acknowledging the pressure applied by Borussia Dortmund throughout the second leg. Guirassy’s goals—each showing quality and determination—sent a surge of belief through the home crowd. But even as Barcelona wobbled, they did not fall.

“They made our lives very hard, but what was important is we made it to the semi-finals,” Flick added.

This marks Barcelona’s first Champions League semi-final appearance since the 2018–19 season, a significant milestone given the club’s recent European struggles.

Fermin Lopez: “This will make us stronger”

One of the bright spots for Barcelona on a tough night in Germany was 21-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez. Although his name won’t appear on the scoresheet, Lopez played a crucial role in Barcelona’s only goal of the night—his sharp pass forced a defensive error that led to a Ramy Bensebaini own goal.

Lopez, speaking after the match, emphasized how the experience would galvanize the squad ahead of what lies ahead.

“Dortmund have a really good team, you saw that today. Last week we made them suffer at our place. Today we suffered here, but in the end we were able to limit the damage,” said Lopez.

“We're now in the semi-finals and can draw a lot of strength from this game today because it was a big task.” he added.

His words reflect the reality of high-stakes European football, where momentum can shift drastically between legs. Despite their commanding lead, Barcelona were forced to defend with desperation at times.

Treble still possible for Barcelona under Flick

Beyond the Champions League, Barcelona remain in the hunt for a historic treble. They have already booked a place in the Copa del Rey final and hold a four-point lead at the top of La Liga. For a club that started the season with uncertainty and a new head coach, the progress under Hansi Flick has been impressive.

Tuesday’s match was Barcelona’s first loss in any competition in 2025, and Flick acknowledged that while the result was disappointing, the bigger picture remains positive.

“Now's the time to celebrate what we've done, getting to the semi-finals, then we can get back to analysing what's ahead of us,” said the former Bayern Munich boss.

“I have full trust that we'll get back on track.” he added.

Barcelona’s ability to stay composed despite the pressure in Germany shows a level of maturity that had been missing in previous European campaigns. The squad, featuring a mix of experienced heads and youthful energy, seems to have found a balance that’s working in their favor.

Guirassy’s hat-trick not enough for brave Dortmund

On the other side, Borussia Dortmund were left to rue a slow start in the tie. Having fallen to a heavy defeat in Barcelona last week, they needed a perfect performance at home—and nearly produced one.

Serhou Guirassy was a force of nature, scoring three times and carrying the fight for the Bundesliga side. Each of his goals came in waves of Dortmund pressure, as the Yellow Wall urged their team forward.

But defensive lapses, particularly the own goal by Bensebaini, proved too much to overcome.

“We gave everything today, and I'm proud of how we played in front of our fans,” said Guirassy post-match. “We just left ourselves too much to do after the first leg.”

Dortmund’s European adventure ends at the quarter-final stage, but their performance on Tuesday night won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

What’s next for Barcelona?

With their place in the semi-finals secured, Barcelona will now face either Manchester City or Atlético Madrid. That tie will be decided on Wednesday night, with City holding a narrow 2-1 lead heading into the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Whoever awaits them, Barcelona know they will have to step up their game. Their defensive vulnerabilities against Dortmund suggest that stronger opposition could pose a serious challenge.

Still, Flick’s men will go into the semi-final with belief—and a sense that their European dream is still very much alive.

Barcelona’s resurgence in Europe has come at a time when Spanish clubs are once again showing their strength. With Real Madrid also vying for a spot in the final four, La Liga could yet have two representatives in the semi-finals.

Focus remains on the treble

The dream of winning a treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League—is one that seemed distant when Flick took over at the start of the season. But the German tactician has quickly instilled structure, belief, and attacking flair into the team.

With Robert Lewandowski finding form, young players like Lopez and Pedri stepping up, and a more solid defensive setup, Barcelona fans have reason to hope again.

The next few weeks will define the club’s season. But after their nerve-wracking night in Dortmund, they’ll head into the semi-finals tested and tempered.