Barcelona are into the UEFA Champions League semifinals despite suffering their first competitive defeat of 2025, falling 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling second-leg encounter at Signal Iduna Park. The Catalan giants advanced 5-3 on aggregate, holding off a spirited fightback from the German side led by a sensational hat-trick from Serhou Guirassy.
Hansi Flick’s men appeared comfortable heading into the tie with a commanding 4-0 first-leg advantage, but Dortmund had other plans. Guirassy opened the scoring with a cheeky Panenka penalty in the 11th minute, before doubling Dortmund’s lead early in the second half with a powerful header, sparking hopes of a miracle comeback.
Barcelona’s nerves were eased midway through the second half when Fermin Lopez’s drive forced Ramy Bensebaini into a costly own goal, giving the visitors a crucial away goal that shifted momentum.
However, Guirassy wasn’t finished. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute to make it 3-1 on the night, and Dortmund believed again. Their joy was short-lived though, as Julian Brandt’s potential fourth goal was ruled out for offside with just over 10 minutes to play.
Barcelona held firm in the dying moments, booking their place in the last four and keeping their hopes of a historic treble alive — exactly a decade after they last lifted the Champions League trophy in Berlin.
Speaking after the match, coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the challenge his team faced: “We need to focus on the positives. What this team has done over the past few weeks is remarkable. We’re not at the finish line yet, but we’ve taken another big step.”
Barcelona will now await the winner of the Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich tie, with fans already dreaming of another European triumph under the bright lights.
