Daijiworld Media Network- Barcelona
Barcelona, Apr 17: Barcelona booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals despite a spirited fightback from Borussia Dortmund, led by a sensational hat trick from striker Serhou Guirassy. The second-leg clash at Dortmund’s home ground ended in a thrilling 3-1 victory for the German side, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the 4-0 deficit from the first leg, as the Spanish giants progressed 5-3 on aggregate.
Guirassy, who has been in blistering form this season, gave Dortmund a glimmer of hope with a standout performance, becoming the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals. His 11th-minute penalty kick after a foul on Pascal Gross set the tone for an aggressive Dortmund push. He followed it up with a precise header early in the second half, before capitalizing on a defensive error from Barcelona's Ronald Araújo to hammer in his third in the 76th minute.
However, Dortmund’s chances were dealt a blow by an unfortunate own goal from defender Ramy Bensebaini, who deflected Fermín López’s low cross into his own net. The goal not only disrupted the momentum but also dampened the home side’s hopes of completing what would have been one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history.
Barcelona, who were unbeaten in all competitions since December 21 and had not lost in the Champions League since September, appeared off-color for most of the night. Key forwards Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who have a combined 23 goals in the tournament this season, failed to find the net, with Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel making key saves to keep them at bay.
Despite the defeat on the night, Barcelona’s commanding first-leg performance ensured their return to the semifinals for the first time since the 2018–19 season. Coach Hansi Flick, who has a flawless record against Dortmund, acknowledged the intensity of the contest.
“I had a feeling it would be tough, and Dortmund proved it,” said Flick. “They played a fantastic game. But I’m proud of my team for getting through — that’s what matters.”
Dortmund, last season’s runners-up, may have played their final Champions League game for the foreseeable future. They currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga and are six points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots with five games left to play.
Barcelona now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich as they aim to reclaim European glory.