Barca Through to UCL Semis, Despite Dortmund Loss

Barcelona advanced to the Champions League semifinals despite a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, thanks to a 5-3 aggregate win.

Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick for Dortmund, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Barcelona’s dominant first-leg performance.

The visitors were made to sweat after holding a 4-0 lead from the first leg, with Guirassy’s Panenka penalty giving Dortmund hope.

He doubled the lead early in the second half, but Barcelona responded when Fermin Lopez forced Ramy Bensebaini into an own goal. Guirassy scored his third goal of the night with 14 minutes remaining, but Barcelona held on for the win.

Despite losing their first competitive game of 2025, Barcelona kept their dream of a treble alive, 10 years after last completing the feat. They will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

Dortmund, clearly outclassed in the first leg, took inspiration from Tuesday’s performance, thanks to Guirassy’s goalscoring form. The 29-year-old Guinean now has 13 Champions League goals this season, more than any other player.

Hansjörg Flick’s pre-match pledge to continue attacking paid off, despite a big first-leg lead. However, captain Emre Can’s injury ruled him out just before the match, making Dortmund’s task harder.

Barcelona’s familiar response to Dortmund’s pressure paid off when Fermin Lopez’s pass forced Bensebaini into an own goal. Guirassy’s third goal came after some delightful dribbling from teenage winger Julian Duranville. Dortmund’s Brandt thought he had scored, but he was offside, allowing Barcelona a breather.

Barcelona managed to hold on despite Dortmund’s energetic attacks in the final stages, keeping their treble dream alive.

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