Borussia Dortmund Vs Barcelona [3-1] – Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg 2024/2025 – Tactical Analysis

Borussia Dortmund may have been knocked out of the Champions League by FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals this season.

However, Dortmund showed the world something in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park.

They showed how Barcelona can be beaten, shutting down Hansi Flicks attack and hitting back efficiently.

Dortmund won 3-1, with Serhou Guirassys hat-trick only cancelled out by Ramy Bensebainis own goal.

Yes, Barcelona won the first leg 4-0, which might have made the game seem one-sided.

Tactically speaking, what happened on the pitch showed that Barcelona really couldnt do much.

They scored just one goal in the first half, and in total, their expected goal ratio (xG) is just 0.49.

It was a terrible performance from Barcelona.

This tactical analysis will explain how Niko Kovačs Dortmund successfully shut down Barcelona in this game.

You can also listen to our analysis on the Total Football Analysis Podcast!

Man-To-Man Press Vs Barcelona‘s Build-Up

Right from the start, Dortmund used a man-to-man approach against Barcelonas build-up.

They ensured that all their passing options were covered, so Barcelona didnt have a chance to advance the ball.

Barcelonas problem was that their goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, couldnt really be a plus one in the build-up.

Then Dortmund used him as a target.

With no passing options, Szczesny often opted to play the long ball.

But it wasnt really effective.

He attempted 13 long balls on the night, but only three