April 15, 2025, marked a historic night for FC Barcelona as they secured their place in the Champions League semifinals for the first time in six years, overcoming a resilient Borussia Dortmund side in a dramatic quarter-final tie. The Catalan giants, who last reached this stage in 2019, showcased their depth and determination to advance with a 5-3 aggregate victory, despite a 3-1 loss in the second leg at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
Barcelona’s Dominant First Leg Sets the Tone
The first leg, played on April 9 at the Montjuïc Stadium, saw Barcelona dominate with a commanding 4-0 win. Robert Lewandowski, facing his former club, led the charge with a brace, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal also found the net. Yamal, a 17-year-old prodigy often hailed as one of Europe’s brightest talents, capped the rout with a clinical finish on a counter-attack, giving Barcelona a seemingly unassailable lead heading into the second leg. The Guardian described the performance as a “massive stride towards the semi-finals,” noting that Dortmund, despite creating chances, were left “very close to doomed” after failing to convert their opportunities.
Dortmund’s Fightback but Serhou Guirassy’s Hattrick Not Enough
The second leg today proved to be a far more challenging affair for Barcelona. Borussia Dortmund, buoyed by their home crowd, mounted a fierce comeback attempt, driven by the brilliance of striker Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean forward delivered a stunning hattrick, with his third goal in the 75th minute igniting hopes of an improbable turnaround. Guirassy’s clinical finishing made the match increasingly heated, and his goals briefly threatened to overturn Barcelona’s lead. Dortmund’s lineup, featuring players like goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and wing-back Yan Couto, fought valiantly, with Guirassy’s strikes exposing vulnerabilities in Barcelona’s defense.
Barcelona Holds Firm to Secure Semifinal Spot
Despite Guirassy’s heroics, Barcelona held firm to secure their advancement. The aggregate scoreline of 5-3 reflected their first-leg dominance, but the second leg highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense, as Dortmund exploited gaps to score three times. A key figure in Barcelona’s midfield, 20-year-old Gavi, played a pivotal role in maintaining control during the tense moments of the second leg. Gavi, who wears the number 6 jersey, has been a revelation for Barcelona since his senior debut in 2021. The young Spaniard, who signed a contract extension until 2030 with a €1bn release clause, has grown into a cornerstone of the team, having risen through the ranks from the under-16 squad to the first team.
A New Era for Barcelona
Barcelona’s return to the Champions League semifinals is a testament to their resurgence under their current management and the emergence of a new generation of talent. The club’s attacking prowess, led by veterans like Lewandowski and young stars like Yamal, has been a highlight of their campaign, though the defensive lapses in the second leg against Dortmund will likely be a point of focus as they prepare for the next round. For Borussia Dortmund, Serhou Guirassy’s hattrick was a bittersweet moment—a brilliant individual performance that ultimately fell short of overturning the deficit. The German side can take pride in their spirited display in the second leg, but it was not enough to deny Barcelona a long-awaited return to the Champions League’s final four.
To the Semifinals
As Barcelona looks ahead to the semifinals, where they could face Bayern Munich or Inter Milan, the challenge will be to shore up their defense while maintaining their attacking flair. For a club with a storied history in European competition, this achievement marks a significant step toward reclaiming their place among the continent’s elite. For now, the Blaugrana fans can celebrate a milestone six years in the making, with hopes of adding another chapter to their illustrious Champions League legacy.