Barcelona survive Dortmund scare to reach Champions League semi-finals

Barcelona book semi-final spot despite Serhou Guirassy’s hat-trick in 3-1 defeat at Dortmund.

Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund fights for possession with Raphinha of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona in Dortmund, Germany, on April 15, 2025. Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona survived a dramatic night in Germany to reach the Champions League semi-finals despite losing 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. The aggregate scoreline finished 5-3 in favor of the Catalan club, who had done most of the damage in the first leg. The second leg, however, saw a stunning performance from Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who bagged a hat-trick and nearly dragged his side to an improbable comeback.

Barcelona survive Dortmund scare captures the intensity of the clash, reflecting a match that was anything but routine. Despite the loss, the result keeps Barcelona on course for a treble—ten years after their last historic sweep in 2015, when they also lifted the Champions League in Berlin.

Guirassy leads Dortmund's charge

Dortmund, trailing 4-0 after a humbling first leg in Barcelona, needed nothing short of a miracle to reach the final four. Their mission became even more daunting with the late injury withdrawal of captain Emre Can. But instead of folding, they came out swinging.

Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring just 11 minutes in with a coolly taken Panenka penalty after Wojciech Szczesny fouled Pascal Gross in the box. The strike sent the home crowd into frenzy and gave Dortmund a sliver of hope. That belief intensified early in the second half when Guirassy rose highest to nod in a pinpoint corner from Ramy Bensebaini, making it 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

With the famed Yellow Wall in full voice and 81,000-plus fans creating a cauldron of noise, it appeared Barcelona could be on the verge of a historic collapse.

Barcelona find response at crucial moment

Barcelona, clearly rattled by Dortmund’s intensity, managed to find an answer when it mattered most. In the 59th minute, a move down the right—sparked by Lamine Yamal—led to Fermin Lopez whipping a pass across the box toward Robert Lewandowski. Bensebaini, attempting to intercept, ended up putting the ball into his own net.

That away goal was a gut punch to Dortmund’s hopes. It meant they needed three more goals to advance.

Despite this, Guirassy wasn't done. In the 76th minute, the Guinean forward completed his hat-trick after Julian Duranville’s brilliant footwork opened up space in the box. Guirassy blasted the ball into the net, cutting the aggregate deficit to two once again.

Minutes later, Julian Brandt thought he had made it 4-1, but the goal was ruled out for offside. That decision ended any remaining suspense.

Barcelona hold firm under late pressure

In the dying stages, Dortmund continued to pour forward, sensing that a goal could change the momentum. But Barcelona's defense, though stretched, held firm. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made key saves, and the midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan, and Pedri managed possession smartly to see the game out.

For all of Dortmund’s valiant efforts and Guirassy’s heroics, it wasn’t enough. The German side exits with pride, having restored belief after a dismal showing in Spain.

Barcelona, on the other hand, move into the semi-finals and keep their treble dream alive. Coach Hansi Flick, though disappointed by the loss, focused on the positives.

Flick praises team despite defeat

"What the team has shown in the past few weeks is incredible," said Flick in his post-match comments. "We've got a lot ahead of us this season. We're a step further but we're not even close to the end."

Flick’s decision not to rotate his attacking trio—Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal—was a sign that he was not underestimating Dortmund. That strategy paid off, particularly when the team needed a composed response to the German club's resurgence.

Barcelona’s only goal of the night may have been an own goal, but it came from a moment of attacking intent and proved pivotal in halting Dortmund’s momentum.

Guirassy sets Champions League benchmark

While the night belonged to Barcelona in terms of progression, Serhou Guirassy was the standout performer on the pitch. His three goals took his Champions League tally to 13 for the season—more than any other player in the competition.

"I'm proud of what we were able to do. Barcelona are a strong team but we fought until the death. We showed what we can do," Guirassy told Amazon Prime after the game.

The 29-year-old’s journey has been far from conventional. Once seen as a journeyman across the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, Guirassy has now established himself as a premier talent in European football.

Dortmund’s fight not enough, but pride restored

For Borussia Dortmund, this tie was a tale of two legs. Outclassed in the first, they looked like a team reborn in the second. Coach Niko Kovac admitted after the first leg that his team needed a miracle. They almost delivered one.

Tuesday’s performance will be a foundation to build on. Young players like Julian Duranville and Maximilian Beier showcased their potential, while the experienced heads rallied behind Guirassy to deliver a performance that made fans believe again.

What’s next for Barcelona?

Barcelona now await the winner of the Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich tie. Either opponent will be formidable, but the Spanish club have shown they are among the favorites for the crown. With La Liga nearly wrapped up and the Copa del Rey final on the horizon, Flick’s side could make history again.

The last time Barcelona won the treble was in 2015. A decade later, the dream is alive once more. And if they go all the way, nights like this one in Dortmund—filled with drama, setbacks, and perseverance—will be remembered as defining moments.