Serhou Guirassy produced a sensational hat-trick, but Borussia Dortmund gallant 3-1 victory on Tuesday night wasn’t enough to stop Barcelona from advancing to the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win.
Despite a spirited performance at home, Dortmund paid the price for their heavy 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Catalonia.
Dortmund came out firing in front of a packed Westfalenstadion, determined to make amends. Within 11 minutes, Guirassy slotted home a cheeky Panenka penalty after Pascal Gross was fouled by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. It was Guirassy’s 11th Champions League goal of the season, setting a new club record for Dortmund.
Dortmund continued to surge forward with Guirassy and Maximilian Beier threatening, while Barcelona relied on possession to slow the game. The second half exploded into life when Guirassy headed home his second goal from a corner in the 49th minute, bringing renewed belief to the yellow wall.
But just five minutes later, Barcelona dampened the comeback spirit when Ramy Bensebaini deflected a Fermin Lopez cross into his own net. The goal gave Barcelona breathing space, even though Dortmund continued to push relentlessly.
Julien Duranville’s dazzling run helped Guirassy complete his hat-trick in the 76th minute, reigniting Dortmund’s dream. Minutes later, Julian Brandt found the net, sending fans into a frenzy—only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Dortmund had thrown everything at Barcelona, but the Catalan giants held firm.
“We believed from the first minute, and I’m proud of the team,” said Dortmund defender Niklas Sule. “We fought until the death against a very strong Barcelona.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Dortmund, saying, “Full credit to them—they made it very hard for us. Dortmund played with passion, intensity, and belief.”
Despite the loss, Dortmund will take heart from their performance, especially Guirassy’s remarkable showing. Barcelona, however, move on with hopes of completing a treble—10 years after their last Champions League triumph in Berlin.
This marks the fifth time Barcelona and Dortmund have clashed in Europe, and once again, Barcelona had the final say. While Dortmund exit the competition with pride, Barcelona remain on track for glory.