Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund: Player Ratings and Comments

Live Update: Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona | Champions League Live

Barcelona faces Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park in what is expected to be the toughest match of the Champions League group stage. With both teams sitting on 12 points, each is hoping to secure a victory that would practically guarantee them a place in the Round of 16. The German side, missing some key players and struggling in the Bundesliga, remains unbeaten at home this season and has not lost a European match at the Signal Iduna Park since 2021. The atmosphere is electric tonight as fans create a historic European night.

Hansi Flick has fielded his strongest lineup for this demanding clash. The German coach takes no risks by putting his best players on the pitch as there’s too much at stake.

The Blaugrana goalkeeper has gone five matches in La Liga conceding goals, but has managed to keep a clean sheet in two of the four Champions League matches so far. Tonight, he faces one of the tournament’s most prolific attacking teams.

The French defender, who has not missed a single match in either La Liga or the Champions League, is showcasing his attacking prowess in the European competition, already providing three assists—all against Red Star Belgrade. However, tonight, he may find it challenging to link up with Lamine or any forward players due to Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, one of the biggest threats from the German side.

The Catalan centre-back faces a significant test tonight: stopping Guirassy and Gittens. Both Borussia Dortmund forwards are among the top scorers in the competition with four goals each. Given his composure, the young defender doesn’t seem fazed by the imposing setting of the match or the opposing players, as he's shown no signs of being rattled or nervous against anyone.

The veteran Basque defender will once again lead the Blaugrana defense, playing a crucial role in their success tonight. Maintaining a high defensive line will be part of his responsibilities.

The left-footed Catalan defender is gradually regaining the superb form that earned him a starting spot in previous seasons. However, more attacking involvement is expected of him. Tonight, he will face Reyna, the young American international who is one of the surprising picks in the German lineup, which should not pose too much trouble for him.

The Catalan pivot indisputably controls the flow of Catalan play: dictating the pace, imposing tactical awareness, connecting the team, bridging lines, and assisting in recovery. Today, the team will need his ingenuity and sharp match reading.

The Canarian international has adjusted to playing slightly deeper in a double pivot role, but his passing, diagonal runs, quick transitions, and game vision are essential for Barcelona today.

The Terrassa midfielder returns to Germany after spending four seasons at Leipzig. Groin discomfort has limited his continuity in Flick's starting XI, but his talent and quality have made him a regular starter in the attacking midfield role. He plays his second consecutive Champions League match from the start in Dortmund.

The Catalan winger is, in the words of Hansi Flick, "a unique talent." The right flank of Barcelona belongs to him. His bursting runs, ambition, clever positioning, and partnerships make him a standout player. Borussia players know they can’t afford to give him an inch.

The veteran striker is not only the top scorer in La Liga (16 goals) and the Champions League (7 goals) but also boasts impressive stats against his former team (27 goals in 26 matches). Furthermore, Flick has managed him carefully in the last few games to ensure he arrives in peak condition for this crucial encounter at Signal Iduna Park.

The Brazilian international is in superb form. He is full of confidence, ambition, and striking ability. In the Champions League, the Barcelona captain has five goals and two assists. He doesn’t rest; he feels fit and Flick has no intention of leaving him out.

The coach is approaching what is considered the most challenging match of the group stage with his strongest lineup, one that could practically secure their ticket to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. He wants to avoid any surprises or scares, like those experienced in recent La Liga matches. The stakes are high with his most competitive squad.