Guirassy's Hat-Trick Tests Barcelona, But They Survive Dortmund's Push

• Apr 16, 2025

Barcelona secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals despite a nervy second leg against Borussia Dortmund, winning 5-3 on aggregate. The Spanish giants entered the match with a commanding 4-0 advantage, but Dortmund’s high-energy start, led by Serhou Guirassy’s hat-trick, made Barcelona’s passage far from comfortable.

Dortmund needed a miracle after their heavy loss in the first leg, and they nearly produced one. The match began at a blistering pace, with Dortmund pressing high up the field, causing Barcelona to struggle with possession. In the ninth minute, Pascal Gross was fouled in the box after a clever move, and Guirassy converted the penalty to give the home side an early lead.

Barcelona, missing their playmaker Pedri, were rattled by the pressure. Dortmund’s tactical switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation added congestion in midfield, further disrupting Barcelona’s rhythm. The German side had several early chances, firing five shots on target in the first 20 minutes, yet Barcelona's defense held firm despite the pressure.

After dodging a bullet when Maximilian Beier missed a chance, Barcelona began to regain control. However, the second half started with more drama. Guirassy scored again, heading in from close range, which gave Dortmund a glimmer of hope. Yet Barcelona quickly responded. Fermin López’s cross was turned into an own goal by Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini, deflating the home side’s momentum.

Dortmund didn’t give up, and Guirassy completed his hat-trick with a well-taken goal assisted by Julien Duranville. With the scoreline 3-1 on the night, Dortmund pushed for a fourth, but Julian Brandt’s goal was ruled offside. Despite Dortmund’s efforts, the aggregate score was too much to overcome.

Barcelona advances to the semi-finals, but their defensive weaknesses were exposed across both legs. With 13 chances conceded in the first leg and 18 more in the second, their high-pressing, risk-heavy style remains vulnerable to quick counterattacks. While their attacking strength carried them through, Barcelona’s defensive frailties could be their undoing against stronger semi-final opponents like Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. The challenge now is for Barcelona to find a better balance between their aggressive attack and defensive stability.