Despite all the talk of a possible treble, Barcelona must focus on the trophy they want the most right now: the Orejona. To make their way to the final match on May 31 in Munich, they must first beat a German side, Borussia Dortmund, in the quarter-finals.
With their last meeting in December fresh in mind, we'll see who has the upper hand in this matchup.
Here is my Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund prediction and Champions League odds for today's match.
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Prediction, Pick, Champions League Odds
| Dortmund Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -120 | 3.5 -105o / -120u | +650 |
| Barcelona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -115 | 3.5 -105o / -120u | -280 |
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund moneyline odds: Barcelona -280, Draw +475, Borussia Dortmund +650
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund over/under: 3.5 goals (Over -105, Under -120)
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund pick: Barcelona Moneyline
Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona need to win another Champions League soon, and this year, they actually have a chance after being one of the best sides of the season under manager Hansi Flick. So, the urgency of this match cannot be overstated, especially after a disappointing draw with Betis that kept the Azulgranas from increasing their lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the LaLiga standings.
However, their journey in this Champions League hasn't had any bumps so far, thanks to seven victories and one draw in the group phase, and a two-win sweep of Benfica in the Round of 16. Now, in the quarter-finals, Barcelona faces one of their victims in the initial stage: Borussia Dortmund. The Catalans beat them 3-2 on Matchday 6 on the road, at Signal Iduna Park, where they will play again next week.
Better yet, this match will be at their ground, Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Barcelona has been ruthless at home so far in this tournament. They have won all five games and scored 17 times, for a 3.4-goal average.
The team will only miss Dani Olmo, who is injured. Iñigo Martínez trained on Tuesday with the group and is expected to start. If he doesn't, Ronald Araujo will take his place as center-back.
Borussia Dortmund Prediction
Amidst a dismaying season for Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League has been a beacon of hope. They crashed out of the German Cup in the second round and currently sit 8th in the Bundesliga standings, but in this tournament, things have worked out from the get-go.
Dortmund won four of the first five matches in the group phase, gaining confidence with that early jump on the chance to qualify, and later dismissed Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 win and a 0-0 draw.
Now, they face the biggest challenge, one they have already failed to pass, as they lost to Barcelona at home in December. To make matters worse, the German side will miss the recently injured Nico Schlotterbeck in defense and the suspended Pascal Gross in midfield.
Their goal could just be to get out of Barcelona alive with a draw or a one-goal defeat to be able to turn it around in Dortmund next week. But this team has been doing things differently in the Champions League and will probably be more aggressive in this match.
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Pick
Dortmund has been a decent visitor, with a 2-1-2 overall record including the Round of 16, but the better results were against lesser opposition.
Barcelona, on the other hand, has been dominant at their home ground, although the over/under might be tricky with a 3.5 goals line, considering how teams tighten up a bit in the first match of such an important series. Back Barcelona to win, nonetheless.
