Get ready for an exciting UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. Set your alarms for December 11, 2024, at 21:00, as Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund hosts this thrilling game. Both teams are competing to lead their groups, promising an intense battle. Last season, Borussia Dortmund finished fifth in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona secured second place in La Liga. Both teams carry a solid form with an 8 rating, promising a top-notch showdown.
Let’s talk about the players to watch. Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy has scored four goals, showcasing his sharpness on the field. On Barcelona’s side, the veteran Robert Lewandowski is proving his mettle with seven goals. Dortmund recently boosted their morale with a 3-0 triumph over Dinamo Zagreb in their last Champions League match. Barcelona, meanwhile, kept their competitive edge with a 2-2 draw against Real Betis back home in La Liga.
Team News and Player Absences
Unfortunately, Borussia Dortmund will be missing some of their stars. Both Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt are out due to injuries, which might affect their attacking options. Barcelona is also dealing with some setbacks; Ronald Araújo and Ansu Fati are unavailable, potentially altering their game plan. Excited fans can catch more insights about the Catalan squad and their current efforts on the revealing Barcelona team page.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tip
As the stakes are high, our predictions slightly favor Barcelona to win, although Dortmund will certainly rise to the challenge. We suggest betting on Barcelona with a (-1) European Handicap. This means a one-goal victory margin for Barcelona is our top betting tip.
| Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Barcelona (-1) (EH) | 3.8 |
This prediction roots itself in Barcelona’s recent strengths, especially their potent attack led by Lewandowski. They’ve been performing well against Dortmund in recent Champions League face-offs, so it’s worth considering.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Odds
The betting scene sees Barcelona in the driving seat. Their recent form and head-to-head history solidify their favored status. Lewandowski’s presence upfront is a significant point. His goal-scoring knack is a strategic pillar for the team.
| Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Barcelona Win | TBD |
| Draw | TBD |
| Borussia Dortmund Win | TBD |
Dortmund, playing at home, need to leverage that familiar turf to push back against Barcelona’s ambitions. Even if they’re considered underdogs, their home advantage is a crucial aspect to balance against Barcelona’s threat.
Borussia Dortmund Team Analysis
Borussia Dortmund Recent Performance
Dortmund have been a bit all over the place recently. Their Bundesliga highlights include a 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach. Their last five matches resulted in two wins, two draws, and one loss—a bit inconsistent. That said, their powerful 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb stands out, giving them a good boost.
| Recent Matches – Borussia Dortmund | |
|---|---|
| Borussia Monchengladbach vs Borussia Dortmund | 1-1 |
| Borussia Dortmund vs Dinamo Zagreb | 3-0 |
| Borussia Dortmund vs Freiburg | 2-1 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund | 2-2 |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund | 0-2 |
Nuri Sahin’s new role as manager has provided fresh tactics, though unpredictability arises from injuries to key players like Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi. Still, talents like Jude Bellingham keep Dortmund competitive in the middle of the field.
Borussia Dortmund Key Players
Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s leading scorer, is crucial up front. Bellingham brings creativity and grit to the midfield. Gregor Kobel’s abilities in goal are reassuring, especially with his knack for stopping shots.
In the middle, Pascal Gross and Marcel Sabitzer are important for stability, just as Nico Schlotterbeck is vital for keeping the defense solid. The injury list might push Dortmund to rely on the emerging talents, like Felix Nmecha, to step up.
Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries
Dortmund heads into this crucial tie affected by several key injuries, which will force tactical shifts and test their depth.
| Player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Karim Adeyemi | Hamstring |
| Waldemar Anton | Groin |
| Julian Brandt | Hamstring |
| Filippo Mané | Muscle |
| Niklas Süle | Knock |
| Maximilian Beier | Knee |
Without Adeyemi and Brandt, Dortmund feels the absence in their creative assault. Defensively, Niklas Süle’s potential absence could press them to recalibrate tactics in response.
Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation
Expect Dortmund to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They’ll look to hold the ball through midfield maestros Sabitzer and Gross. The flanks will play a critical role, with Ryerson likely to exploit available space behind Barcelona’s defensive lines.
It’s plausible that Sahin will choose a cautious strategy, aiming to hit Barcelona on the counter. Guirassy’s forward movements will be crucial in testing Barcelona’s defence, creating potential gaps and opportunities.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance
Barcelona’s recent outings include a big 3-0 win over Brest in the Champions League—a morale booster for sure. In La Liga, they handled some ups and downs. Their 2-2 draw with Real Betis showed their knack for holding their own until the final whistle.
| Recent Matches – Barcelona | |
|---|---|
| Barcelona vs Brest | 3-0 |
| Real Betis vs Barcelona | 2-2 |
| Barcelona vs Valencia | 4-1 |
| Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona | 1-1 |
| Barcelona vs Sevilla | 2-0 |
Barcelona’s impressive squad depth and coach Hansi Flick’s flexible tactics invite young talent to shine within an attacking system. Robert Lewandowski, with his 16 goals in La Liga, is an undeniable asset, leading the front with vigor.
Barcelona Key Players
Lewandowski’s role is central to Barcelona’s plans. His scoring skills have even drawn praise from Lamine Yamal. Pedri and Gavi’s dynamic play adds flair and agility to the midfield, balancing Barcelona’s tactical blend.
Do not overlook Frenkie de Jong’s contributions. Despite criticism, his strategic midfield role is important. At the back, Jules Kounde and Íñigo Martinez ensure defensive security, especially in tight aerial duels.
| Player Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Robert Lewandowski | Forward |
| Pedri | Midfielder |
| Gavi | Midfielder |
| Frenkie de Jong | Midfielder |
| Jules Kounde | Defender |
| Íñigo Martinez | Defender |
Additional width comes from Raphinha and Dani Olmo, providing varied attacking options, with Lamine Yamal also contributing unpredictability.
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona plans around various injuries affecting their squad depth.
| Player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Ronald Araújo | Hamstring |
| Andreas Christensen | Achilles |
| Marc Bernal | Cruciate |
| Marc-Andre ter Stegen | Cruciate |
| Ansu Fati | Hamstring |
Araújo and Fati’s absence affect Barcelona’s lineup balance. Additionally, with their top keeper, ter Stegen, out, backup options are crucial in maintaining defensive resilience.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Coach Hansi Flick is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation. This setup emphasizes pressing high and utilizing the full width to disrupt Dortmund’s defense. The central midfield’s combination of Pedri and de Jong will play, offering both defensive support and sparking attacks.
With Raphinha and Dani Olmo prepared to maximize flank play, breaking through Dortmund’s defense with Lewandowski’s lead is the aim. Watch for defensive robustness paired with swift transitions to counter Dortmund’s offensive attempts.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Barcelona tends to have the upper hand over Dortmund in European matches. Their last meeting saw Barcelona winning 3-1 on November 27, 2019, posing a usual challenge for Dortmund against the Catalan powerhouses.
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/11/2019 | Barcelona | Dortmund | 3-1 |
| 17/09/2019 | Dortmund | Barcelona | 0-0 |
These matches have often been competitive and sometimes high scoring. Dortmund, having qualified, might face a bit less pressure, whereas Barcelona is poised to carry on their consistent confrontation.
Venue and Weather
The backdrop for this clash is Signal Iduna Park, boasting an 81,365 capacity. Dortmund’s famous “Yellow Wall” promises an electrifying experience and an intimidating visitor challenge.
Expect chilly December weather in Dortmund, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 5°C. Possible precipitation might make the pitch slick, affecting ball control and player footing. Light to moderate winds could influence set-pieces, so adapting strategically is key.
Dortmund might have an edge being used to these wintry conditions, but the weather could test Barcelona’s adaptability as they bring their signature flair and tactics to this contest. Looking for more Champions League actions? Check out the comprehensive Champions League matches page.
