FC Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the calendar year, falling 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash — but it was still enough to send the Spanish giants into their first semi-final since 2019.

Dortmund Dominate Early With Dream Start

Backed by the electric atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund came out firing. Within 11 minutes, the hosts earned a penalty after Wojciech Szczęsny brought down Pascal Gross inside the box. In-form striker Serhou Guirassy calmly converted from the spot — his 11th goal in 14 Champions League appearances this season.

Barcelona, who had won the first leg 4-0 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, were pinned back throughout the opening 45 minutes. The stats told the story: just one attempted shot with an xG of 0.02, compared to Dortmund's 2.05. The Catalans looked shell-shocked.

Guirassy Strikes Again – But Barca Get a Lucky Break

The second half began just like the first ended — with Dortmund pressing hard. In the 51st minute, Guirassy struck again, heading home after a scramble in the box to make it 2-0. Suddenly, the impossible seemed plausible: just two more goals were needed to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in recent memory.

But just as the pressure peaked, Barcelona caught a break. A low cross from Fermín López on the right wing was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Ramy Bensebaini, handing the visitors a crucial away goal — and a huge sigh of relief.

Dortmund Rally Late, But Barcelona Hold On

Still, Dortmund kept believing. On 76 minutes, Julien Duranville kept the ball alive on the right wing, delivering a sharp cross into the box. Ronald Araújo failed to properly clear the danger, and Serhou Guirassy pounced — smashing home from close range to complete his hat-trick and raise the noise level inside the stadium once again.

Despite a tense final 15 minutes, Hansi Flick's side showed their maturity, slowing the game and grinding out the result they needed. It wasn’t pretty — but it was enough.

What’s Next?

Barcelona progress to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the FC Bayern vs Inter Milan tie. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund exit the tournament with their heads held high after a stirring second-leg performance that reminded Europe of their pedigree.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Borussia D - Barcelona 3:1 (1:0)
Goals: Guirassy, 11 (penalty) (1:0); Guirassy, 49 (2:0); Bensebaini, 54 (own goal) (2:1); Guirassy, 76 (3:1)

Borussia D: Kobel; Anton; Bensebaini; Süle; Couto; Svensson D.; Groß; Nmecha F. (Reyna G., 64); Adeyemi K.; Beier M. (Duranville, 64); Guirassy
Bench: Lotka; Meyer A.; Kabar; Мане Ф.; Ryerson; Bynoe-Gittens; Brandt; Wätjen; Özcan Sa.
Yellow Cards: Nmecha F. 56

Barcelona: Szczesny; Araujo R.; Cubarsí; Kounde; Martín; de Jong F.; Gavi (Pedri, 58); Fermin (Torres F., 70); Raphinha; Yamal (Garcia E., 70); Lewandowski (Olmo, 86)
Bench: Kochen Diego; Peña I.; Christensen A.; Martinez In.; Fort H.; Torre P.; Pau Victor; Fati An.
Yellow Cards: de Jong F. 35