Barcelona Lineup (4-2-3-1):: Szczesny starts in goal despite reports of a late injury concern, behind a defense of Koundé, Cubarsi, Araujo, and Gerard Martin. Gavi and De Jong anchor the midfield, with Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Raphinha supporting Lewandowski upfront. Dani Olmo returns to the squad but starts on the bench.
Dortmund Lineup (3-4-3):: Kobel is in goal, protected by Süle, Anton, and Bensebaini. The midfield features Yan Couto, Gross, Nmecha, and Svensson, while Adeyemi, Guirassy, and Beier lead the attack. Dortmund shows significant changes from the first leg.
Why This Matters:: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rotates his squad slightly, resting key players like Pedri and relying on Gerard Martin to fill in for the injured Baldé, leveraging the comfortable first-leg advantage. Dortmund, needing a miraculous comeback, fields an attack-minded formation with several changes.
Kit Change:: Barcelona will wear their traditional Blaugrana shirts but pair them with white shorts instead of the usual blue to avoid a color clash with Dortmund's black shorts. This combination was previously worn in a league loss against Las Palmas during the club's 125th-anniversary celebrations.
Heading into the second leg with a hefty 4-0 aggregate lead, FC Barcelona can afford some squad rotation. Hansi Flick has opted to start Gerard Martin at left-back, giving Alejandro Baldé (injured) a rest. The inclusion of Gavi and Araujo, who replace Pedri and Inigo Martinez respectively, adds solidity. The return of Dani Olmo to the bench provides a potential impact substitute. Despite pre-match news suggesting a potential injury, Wojciech Szczesny is confirmed as the starting goalkeeper.
Borussia Dortmund faces an uphill battle and has significantly altered their lineup compared to the first leg. Deploying a 3-4-3 formation signals their intent to attack from the outset. Key changes include Niclas Süle returning to central defense, Yan Couto and Svensson operating on the flanks, and Pascal Gross and Maximilian Beier entering the midfield and attack. They need early goals to have any hope of overturning the deficit.
The decision for Barcelona to wear white shorts is primarily practical, ensuring visual clarity against Dortmund's dark shorts. However, this kit combination evokes recent, less positive memories. The team wore this specific outfit during their 125th-anniversary match against UD Las Palmas, a game they unexpectedly lost 1-2 in LaLiga, further marred by an injury to Alejandro Baldé. Barcelona will be keen to create a more positive association with this kit combination tonight.
Why is Barcelona wearing white shorts?
To avoid a kit clash with Borussia Dortmund's black shorts, ensuring better visibility for players, officials, and fans.
Who is replacing Alejandro Baldé for Barcelona?
Gerard Martin is starting at left-back in place of the injured Alejandro Baldé.
What was the score in the first leg?
FC Barcelona won the first leg 4-0 at home.
Barcelona holds a strong 4-0 advantage, allowing for some squad rotation.
Key players like Yamal, Lewandowski, De Jong, and Araujo still start for Barça.
Dortmund has made multiple changes, likely adopting an aggressive approach to attempt a comeback.
Pay attention to Barcelona's performance in the unusual white shorts, given the mixed history associated with them.
Do you think Borussia Dortmund has any chance of a comeback, or will Barcelona cruise into the semi-finals? Let us know your thoughts!
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