Barcelona Advances to Champions League Semis Despite 3-1 Loss to Dortmund

Barcelona still qualified for the Champions League semifinals despite losing 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarterfinals at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday morning IST.

The Spanish club advanced to the semifinals after beating Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate.

Serhou Guirassy’s three goals were not enough to send Dortmund through to the semi-finals, while Ramy Bensebaini’s own goal was enough to send Barcelona through.

The hosts played aggressively from the start in an attempt to overturn a 4-0 aggregate deficit from the first leg.

Dortmund were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after Pascal Gross was fouled by Wojciech Szczesny. Serhou Guirassy stepped up to convert and put Dortmund 1-0 up.

Until the 20th minute, Barcelona were pinned back and did not threaten the Dortmund goal. They did not even have a single shot on target.

Dortmund implemented a high pressing game, which made it difficult for Barcelona to create dangerous chances.

Dortmund were unable to add to their tally, despite shutting down Barcelona’s attack. The first half ended 1-0 for Dortmund, while Barca still won 4-1 on aggregate.

Dortmund came out better in the second half, forcing goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny into two saves in the 47th minute, denying Karim Adeyemi’s shot and then tipping Gross’ rebound out for a corner.

Dortmund took a 2-0 lead in the 49th minute. Guirassy headed home from a corner. The final score was 2-4.

Barcelona reduced the deficit to 1-2 in the 54th minute. Ramy Bensebaini scored an own goal when he tried to cut out Fermin Lopez’s cross from the right. The aggregate remains 2-5 for the visitors.

Barcelona slowly controlled the ball and created a chance in the 72nd minute.

Raphinha took a shot inside the box, but the ball was headed towards the Dortmund goal, where Gregor Kobel made the save.

Dortmund led 3-1 in the 76th minute. Guirassy scored his third after a poor clearance by Ronald Araujo in the box. Barca maintained their lead on aggregate.

The tempo of the game slowed slightly. Dortmund were frustrated in their search for the next goal. Barca controlled the rhythm well. The final score was 3-1 and Barcelona advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-5 aggregate score.

Barcelona will await the winner of the Inter Milan vs. Bayer Munich match at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza early tomorrow morning.

Borussia Dortmund Lineup (3-4-2-1): Gregor Kobel; Niklas Sule, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini; Yan Couto (77′ Julian Brandt), Pascal Gross, Felix Nmecha (64′ Giovanni Reyna), Daniel Svensson; Maximilian Beier (65′ Julien Duranville), Karim Adeyemi (77′ Jamie Gittens); Serhou Guirassy.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Gavi (59′ Pedri); Lamine Yamal (70′ Ferran Torres), Fermin Lopez (70′ Eric Garcia), Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski (86′ Dani Olmo).