FC Barcelona already knows their opponent for the Champions League quarter-finals: Borussia Dortmund. A team they already faced in the league phase, managing to win 2-3 in a very contested match.
However, it won't be a match anything like the one in December. With a new coach, and in a knockout stage where the return leg will be at Signal Iduna Park, Barça will have to give their best to reach the semi-finals.
An Inconsistent Dortmund, but Always Fearsome
The German team is not experiencing their best season, far from the level they showed in last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Since that match, Nuri Sahin replaced Terzic on the bench. However, the results have not been as expected, and in January Niko Kovac was his replacement. Despite everything, Dortmund still hasn't taken off.
In the Bundesliga, they are 10th, seven points away from Champions League spots. The lack of consistency has been an evident problem throughout the year, although in Europe, they have managed to show their best version.
They come from eliminating Lille in the round of 16 with a victory in France (1-2), coming back from an early goal by Jonathan David. But without dazzling. In fact, the goals came in two isolated actions. A penalty converted by Emre Can and a brilliance from Maximilian Beier.
Speed and Talent in Attack, and a Fragile Defense
Borussia Dortmund maintains their usual formation in a 4-2-3-1, betting on quick transitions in attack. The main threat can be none other than the team's top scorer, Serhou Guirassy (24 goals in 34 matches). Although those who can cause the most damage to FC Barcelona are two footballers who, interestingly, did not play in the December match.
Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt. The fastest player, along with the best passer of the squad, could be the real threat to Flick's advanced defense. The partner in attack will be another speedster: Beier or Bynoe-Gittens.
In the midfield, the experience of captain Emre Can and Sabitzer. On the flanks, Ryerson should be highlighted. Possibly, after Brandt, the best shooter on the team.
The weakest area throughout the season will be defended by Schlotterbeck and Anton. Meanwhile, Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Köbel will try to stop the most scoring trio in all of Europe.
Absences and Conditions
Although there is still a little less than a month, Dortmund will arrive with significant absences for the first leg. Pascal Groß won't be able to play in Barcelona due to an accumulation of cards. A very important absence due to the versatility he offers to Nico Kovac.
On the other hand, up to four Dortmund players are one booking away and could miss the return leg if they receive a yellow card in Montjuïc (Beier, Sabitzer, Ryerson, and Couto).
However, the Germans could recover their left-back Svensson for the first leg. It is less likely that the injured Nmecha will make it after several months out.
Another factor to consider is the dreaded international break. Practically, all of Dortmund's starting eleven will be drafted by their respective national teams, except for the Germans Can, Brandt, and Beier.
A More Complicated Tie Than It Seems
Despite their poor form in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund has shown that they always compete in the Champions League. Their inconsistency can be a double-edged sword for Barcelona. As if that weren't enough, the return leg in Germany, in one of the most imposing stadiums in the world.
Therefore, Barça will have to prepare for an unpredictable opponent that, although not one of the favorites, is always among the greats of Europe.