Barcelona Survive Dortmund Scare to Attain UCL Semis, But Critical Defensive Questions Stay

Despite Serhou Guirassy’s hat-trick and Borussia Dortmund‘s gutsy efficiency, Barcelona secured their Champions League semi-final ticket — however with dire warning indicators for the long run.

Hansi Flick’s workforce was something however comfy with an enormous first-leg lead. Though the scoreline ultimately learn of their favor, the sport uncovered defensive weaknesses and tactical points which may show costly within the subsequent stage.

Dortmund’s Fast Start Shakes Flick’s Barcelona

Barcelona’s 4-0 victory within the first leg appeared to have wrapped up the tie early, however the return leg informed a special story. ESPN reported that Dortmund got here out of the gates with aggression and goal, urgent excessive and forcing Barça into early errors.

Karim Adeyemi’s pace and creativity unsettled the Spanish aspect, resulting in a ninth-minute penalty after Pascal Gross was introduced down by Wojciech Szczesny. Guirassy stepped ahead and scored, sending the house crowd into delusions of a comeback.

For the primary 20 minutes, Dortmund took cost, scoring 5 pictures on track and dictating an unrelenting tempo. Flick’s choice to maintain midfield maestro Pedri on the bench backfired, as Barcelona struggled to manage possession and composure below stress. The Spanish league leaders had been uncovered, particularly throughout transitions.

An Own Goal Swings Momentum Barcelona’s Way

While Dortmund continued to drive on, they may not take benefit once more of their momentum. Maximilian Beier’s half-hour header was simply saved, and steadily, Barcelona started to settle. They by no means appeared fully in command, however they had been in a position to forestall the sport from working away.

The momentum shifted within the second half. Barely minutes after Guirassy headed residence his second, Ramy Bensebaini unintentionally deflected a Fermin López cross into his personal purpose. The personal purpose was a decisive blow to Dortmund’s probabilities of mounting a comeback, taking the wind out of their sails simply as they appeared prepared to actually take a look at Barça’s mettle.

Guirassy’s Hat-Trick Highlights Barça’s Defensive Frailty

Guirassy added the ending touches to his hat trick with 14 minutes left, capitalizing on a intelligent play from substitute Julien Duranville. Three minutes later, Julian Brandt had the ball within the web as soon as extra — however was known as offside.

Although the scoreline was tight, Dortmund by no means fairly appeared more likely to overturn the mixture deficit. Nevertheless, they left a long-lasting impression — and raised some severe crimson flags for Barcelona.

Dortmund created 18 alternatives within the second leg alone, and 13 within the first leg. That’s 31 possibilities total in opposition to a aspect who had been dreaming of European glory. The statistics spotlight an overarching concern for Barça: Flick’s high-line protection generally is a legal responsibility, particularly in opposition to sides with tempo and accuracy.

Can Barcelona’s Frontline Make Up for Their Rearguard?

Hansi Flick’s signature urgent technique has labored effectively for Barcelona, driving them right into a 24-game unbeaten streak heading into this match. But it additionally leaves them susceptible, particularly when urgent triggers don’t work or their midfielders are usually not composed, The Guardian reviews.

This weak spot has already been exploited this season in matches in opposition to Osasuna, Benfica, and Atlético Madrid, all of which resulted in them transport 4 targets.

“I had a feeling something like that would happen today because I know the stadium well,” Flick stated. “Things didn’t go too well for us, but Dortmund played very well. The things we played out weren’t what we normally do.”