Prime-time Champions League football is back at the Westfalenstadion with Borussia Dortmund hosting a high-flying F.C Barcelona. The news surrounding Borussia Dortmund is a months-long injury to Niklas Sule who was just playing himself into form. Sahin is left with just one established center-back, Nico Schlotterbeck, and question marks across the backline. Consistent injures have forced the club to use Emre Can, Rami Bensebaini, and Felix Nmecha as center-backs this season with all three players putting in lackluster shifts.
Borussia Mönchengladbach v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga Photo by Leon Kuegeler/Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund’s defense issues now come face-to-face with Barcelona and a familiar Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona have scored the most goals in the Champions League, the most goals throughout Europe’s top 5 leagues in all competitions, and Lewandowski is currently on top in Europe’s golden boot race. The Catalans score with ease under Hansi Flick and are currently sitting at 3.6 goals per game in the Champions League including a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich. Borussia Dortmund are tied with them on points at 12 apiece in the UCL this season and both teams will be looking to guarantee knock-out football with a win.
Sahin’s men still have a chance despite the bleak reading. The squad has performed admirably in the Champions League this season and will be hoping their home field advantage carries them through this match. The injured backline will be asked a lot of questions but Barcelona’s own defense has been far from perfect in recent weeks. Borussia Dortmund can win and pick up a marquee win against one of Europe’s best teams.
Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski
FC Barcelona v Stade Brestois 29 - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
This Barcelona team is incredibly talented and there is a host of players who I could pick but Robert Lewandowski is the clear answer. The Polish legend and BVB alum has somehow hit another gear this season despite his age and leads both the UCL and La Liga in goals. Equally important is his tendency to play well against Borussia Dortmund with more goals against his former side than any other team in his career (27 goals in 26 games). Nico Schlotterbeck and whichever poor soul plays next to him in defense have a gargantuan task ahead of him tomorrow.
Predicted Lineup: 4-2-3-1
Borussia Dortmund should be lining up in their typical 4-2-3-1 formation. Kobel will start in goal barring any last second injuries. Defense is where everyone should look to when the lineup comes out. I am confident that Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, and Ryerson will start but that second center-back slot is shrouded in mystery. Will Sahin throw a reserve center-back in the deep end or, more likely, bring on Can and hope he can replicate his game against RB Leipzig? Dortmund’s midfield should be tame with the absence of Brandt as Nmecha and Gross reprise their roles in midfield. Sabitzer will likely start ahead of them but I could see Sahin springing a surprise to bring on a more offensive player to provide an outlet against Barcelona’s questionable defending. Gittens should start on the left with Guirassy up top. I am expecting Sahin to opt for Malen’s experience over Beier’s... ability? Adeyemi may return to the bench or field following his return to training.
Your Thoughts
Who will win? How many will Lewandowski score? Will Sahin spring any tricks on us?