Barcelona visited last night’s second leg as strong favorites after their emphatic 4-0 first-leg victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals.
The German side, however, forced the Catalans to toil for their semifinal place, starting the pressure early by converting an early penalty.
The visitors maintained their slim 1-0 advantage into half-time, but Dortmund extended theirs in quick time after the break to reduce the aggregate deficit to just two goals.
Barcelona gained some breathing space when they were awarded an own goal that saw their three-goal cushion extended, in effect bursting Dortmund’s dreams of a comeback.
Even as the hosts scored a third goal later in the match, it was consolation because Barcelona had gone through to the semifinals with a below-par display at Signal Iduna Park.
The 3-1 defeat on the night still had them winning 5-3 on aggregate, but the game indicated that there were a few things that they needed to improve on before they faced their next European challenge.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Borussia Dortmund (3-1 loss, 3-5 agg)
Wojciech Szczesny: 5.5
The goalkeeper had a difficult game, with the added complication of a pre-match warm-up injury. While not responsible for the goals against, his careless penalty giveaway provided Dortmund with an early momentum.
Gerard Martin: 6
Replacing the injured Balde, Martin was solid at the back but occasionally erratic in possession, losing it in a game in which Barcelona was already finding it difficult to keep.
Ronald Araujo: 5
In replacing suspended Martínez, Araujo worked tirelessly at the back but was inconsistent with his distribution. His poor clearance was squarely responsible for Dortmund’s third goal.
Pau Cubarsi: 6.5
Tasked with operating under a high level of pressure, the inexperienced center-back looked notably nervous but otherwise solid at the back, showing a maturity that belies his years.
Jules Kounde: 6.4
Strong at the back but offered little in attack. Could have done more to stop Dortmund’s second goal, but otherwise, his defensive work was good.
Gavi: 6
Provided energy and defensive cover in place of Pedri but lacked the same midfield control. Worked hard but couldn’t dictate play.
Frenkie de Jong: 7.5
The brilliant midfielder De Jong was the only one who could maintain possession of the ball and coordinate attacks. His calmness was the key to a chaotic team effort.
Fermin Lopez: 5.5
A quiet night following his first-leg display. Couldn’t give much on the attacking side but assisted in creating the own goal that renewed Barcelona’s buffer. Squandered a decisive opportunity in the second half.
Raphinha: 5.5
Poor across the board and failed to take advantage of counter-attacking chances. Poor decision-making and finishing in a forgettable outing.
Lamine Yamal: 6.5
Began slowly but improved in the match, showing enhanced ball retention during the second half. Not yet approaching his explosive best.
Robert Lewandowski: 5.5
Looked sharper than his attacking teammates, working well together and creating opportunities. Played Raphinha in for a huge first-half chance, which was squandered.
Pedri: 7.5 (Sub)
Had a massive influence when he came on, taking back midfield possession with his calm and insightful passing. His introduction was confirmation of what Barcelona lacked in the opening sixty minutes.
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