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16 Apr 2025, Wed

VAR confirms penalty and Guirassy shines with a great chipped goal in Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona

Guirassy BRD


The Signal Iduna Park roars with the fervor of Borussia Dortmund’s fans, who are pushing their team to overturn a daunting 4-0 deficit against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Within the opening minutes, hope surged through the German side as Serhou Guirassy delivered a breathtaking penalty, chipping the ball delicately over the bar to nestle into the net at the 10-minute mark. The decision, reviewed by VAR after a controversial offside call, sent the stadium into a frenzy, giving Dortmund a glimmer of belief despite the monumental task of needing four goals to force extra time or five to advance outright to the semi-finals. Barcelona, meanwhile, holds the composure that secured their dominant first-leg victory, though early mistakes in possession revealed cracks that the hosts are eager to exploit. With the game in full swing, every moment carries weight, promising a thrilling battle until the final whistle.

Borussia Dortmund took to the pitch with a mission to etch their name in history. The famed Yellow Wall transformed the stadium into a cauldron, urging the team forward from the first whistle. Despite the odds, the Germans showed relentless energy, pressing Barcelona and capitalizing on defensive errors in the opening exchanges.

Barcelona, led by stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, aims to dictate the tempo. The Catalan giants know a single goal could all but seal their progression, but they must contend with Dortmund’s aggressive approach, which leans on the pace of wingers like Beier and Adeyemi and the clinical presence of Guirassy up top.

Key moments of the match

The game kicked off with electrifying action, setting the tone within the first 10 minutes. Dortmund displayed their intent to fight, while Barcelona struggled to settle under pressure.

  • 3’ – Araújo’s error: The Barcelona defender misplays a pass, and Beier pounces, shooting from distance, but Szczesny holds firm.
  • 4’ – Dortmund threaten: Beier crosses from the left, and Cubarsí’s clearance nearly turns into an own goal. Szczesny’s sharp save prevents disaster.
  • 5’ – Guirassy so close: After another Barcelona giveaway, Adeyemi fires a low shot, and Guirassy, scrambling on the ground, nearly connects, only to be blocked.
  • 8’ – Penalty drama: Gross goes down under Szczesny’s challenge in the box. Initially flagged for offside, the call heads to VAR for review.
  • 10’ – Guirassy’s magic: With the penalty confirmed, Guirassy steps up and chips the ball audaciously, fooling Szczesny and igniting the crowd.

Electric atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park

The vibe in Dortmund’s fortress is a weapon in itself. The Yellow Wall, with its unrelenting chants, creates an intimidating stage that has fueled historic comebacks in the past. Guirassy’s goal at the 10-minute mark turned the stands into a sea of celebration, as fans sensed a chance, however slim, for a miracle. Dortmund’s game plan hinges on wingers Beier and Adeyemi stretching Barcelona’s defense, with Guirassy lurking as a constant threat in the box. The early intensity reflects a clear intent: press high, win the ball in dangerous areas, and strike before Barcelona can settle.

Barcelona, however, refuses to buckle. Despite shaky moments, the team leans on its trademark possession to cool the tempo. Yamal’s flair briefly sparked a counter, but poor passing let the chance slip. The experience of players like De Jong and Pedri keeps the Catalans composed, even as the crowd bays for more Dortmund goals.

Dortmund’s early onslaught

The opening minutes showcased a Dortmund side unwilling to accept defeat. Niko Kovac’s men, fully aware of the four-goal gap, came out swinging with an all-out offensive approach. Beier and Adeyemi tore down the flanks, exposing nerves in Barcelona’s backline. Araújo’s mistake at the third minute hinted at vulnerabilities under the weight of Dortmund’s press and the roaring crowd.

Barcelona’s defense, anchored by Cubarsí and Araújo, faced relentless pressure. Szczesny’s heroics kept the score level before the penalty, but his error in the box handed Dortmund their breakthrough. Guirassy, Dortmund’s leading scorer this season, seized the moment with a chip that showcased both skill and nerve.

The penalty decision itself was a turning point. Gross’s run into the box, followed by Szczesny’s mistimed challenge, sparked debate until VAR intervened, rewarding Dortmund’s early dominance with a chance they converted spectacularly.

Barcelona’s response

Keeping control is Barcelona’s priority. After conceding, Hansi Flick’s side shifted focus to ball retention, aiming to silence the crowd and blunt Dortmund’s momentum. Raphinha and Yamal remain the key outlets, but a lack of precision in the final third has stifled their attack so far.

At the seventh minute, Yamal tried to ignite a counter, but his pass to Raphinha sailed too long, squandering a dangerous move. Barcelona’s plan seems to involve soaking up pressure and hitting Dortmund on the break, a tactic that shredded the Germans in the first leg’s 4-0 rout.

The midfield duo of De Jong and Pedri holds the key. Their ability to navigate Dortmund’s press and deliver accurate passes keeps Barcelona in the driver’s seat, even as the hosts push for more goals. Fermín López’s inclusion adds dynamism, though the Catalans have yet to create a clear scoring chance.

Critical plays reviewed

The opening exchanges were packed with moments that could shape the outcome. Below are the standout plays that rocked Signal Iduna Park:

  • Misstep by Araújo: The defender’s errant pass gifts Beier a shot, easily saved by Szczesny.
  • Near own goal: Beier’s cross forces Cubarsí into a desperate clearance, nearly catastrophic until Szczesny intervenes.
  • Guirassy denied: Adeyemi’s low drive finds Guirassy, who stretches but can’t connect as Barcelona’s defense holds firm.
  • VAR steps in: Gross’s fall under Szczesny’s challenge prompts a review, overturning an offside call to award a penalty.
  • Guirassy’s brilliance: The striker’s chipped penalty sails past Szczesny, giving Dortmund a vital early lead.

Dortmund’s game plan

Going all-in from the start was Dortmund’s only option. Kovac fielded an attacking lineup, with Beier and Adeyemi tasked with stretching the play and Guirassy anchoring the front line. The return of Pascal Gross, absent in the first leg, adds creativity, enabling swift transitions that caught Barcelona off guard early.

Stealing possession high up the pitch is central to their approach. The opening minutes saw Araújo and Cubarsí rattled, creating chances that could have yielded more without Szczesny’s saves. Guirassy’s composure from the spot could inspire further heroics, but Dortmund must balance their aggression to avoid leaving gaps for Barcelona’s lethal counters.

The crowd’s energy fuels every move. Each tackle draws roars, and Guirassy’s goal felt like a seismic shift. Sustaining that intensity while staying disciplined defensively is the tightrope Dortmund must walk.

Barcelona’s defensive resolve

Despite early wobbles, Barcelona trusts its backline to weather the storm. Cubarsí, just 17, shows poise beyond his years, even after nearly costing his team. Araújo, despite his initial error, remains a commanding presence, ready to battle Guirassy physically.

Szczesny’s experience is invaluable. His saves before the penalty kept Barcelona in the game, though the penalty blunder highlighted a rare lapse. The Pole’s ability to stay calm under pressure will be tested as Dortmund continues to swarm.

Martín, on the left, has held his own against Beier’s runs, ensuring Barcelona’s flanks aren’t overrun. The defensive unit’s cohesion is critical to preserving the aggregate lead, especially as Dortmund hunts for more goals.

The crowd’s influence

The Yellow Wall is a spectacle like no other. Its chants reverberate through Signal Iduna Park, turning every moment into a battle cry. Guirassy’s penalty unleashed a tidal wave of noise, making the stadium feel alive with possibility. The fans’ belief could push Dortmund to defy the odds, as it has in past European nights.

Barcelona, however, is no stranger to hostile arenas. Veterans like Lewandowski, who once called Dortmund home, know how to block out the noise. Still, the relentless pressure from the stands will challenge even the most seasoned players, especially if Dortmund keeps the scoreboard ticking.

The crowd’s role can’t be overstated. If Dortmund scores again, the atmosphere could become suffocating for Barcelona, amplifying every mistake and fueling the hosts’ momentum.

Head-to-head history

Dortmund and Barcelona have a storied rivalry, though the Catalans hold the edge. In this season’s group stage, Barcelona edged a 3-2 thriller in Dortmund, with Ferran Torres sealing it late. The first leg’s 4-0 demolition showcased Barcelona’s clinical edge, with Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal overwhelming a depleted Dortmund side.

Historically, Dortmund has yet to beat Barcelona in six competitive meetings, with four losses and two draws. Guirassy’s goal offers a chance to rewrite that narrative, but overturning a four-goal deficit would be a feat for the ages. The 2017 Barcelona-PSG comeback looms as a rare precedent, but Dortmund needs perfection to pull it off.

Dortmund’s uphill battle

Clawing back a 4-0 deficit is a near-impossible ask in the Champions League. Only once has such a turnaround happened—Barcelona’s 6-1 rout of PSG in 2017. Dortmund draws inspiration from that, but faces a Barcelona side unbeaten in 24 matches this season, brimming with confidence.

Injuries to Sabitzer and Schlotterbeck hurt Dortmund’s depth, though Gross’s return bolsters the midfield. Guirassy’s form is a bright spot, but scoring early, as they did, is only the start. Avoiding defensive lapses while maintaining pressure is a delicate balance against a team as ruthless as Barcelona.

Barcelona’s dominance

Barcelona is riding a wave of form. Hansi Flick’s side tops La Liga by four points and remains unbeaten in 2025. The first leg’s rout was a masterclass, with Lewandowski’s brace, Raphinha’s flair, and Yamal’s magic. Their attack has 23 Champions League goals this season, led by the trio’s brilliance.

Yamal, at 17, is a global sensation, terrorizing defenses with his pace. Pedri and De Jong orchestrate the midfield with precision, while Cubarsí and Araújo form a near-impenetrable backline, conceding just five goals in 11 European games. Barcelona’s blend of youth and experience makes them favorites to cruise through.

Defining minutes

The opening salvo set pulses racing, with Dortmund seizing the initiative. Below are the moments that shaped the start:

  • 1’ – Raphinha’s run: A long ball finds Raphinha, but Kobel claims it as the pass overreaches.
  • 3’ – Araújo’s blunder: Beier steals a loose pass and shoots, but Szczesny is equal to it.
  • 4’ – Cubarsí’s scare: Beier’s cross deflects off Cubarsí, nearly sneaking in until Szczesny saves.
  • 8’ – Penalty call: Szczesny fells Gross, and VAR overturns an offside to award Dortmund a spot-kick.
  • 10’ – Guirassy’s gem: The striker’s chipped penalty outfoxes Szczesny, sparking wild celebrations.

What lies ahead

The game remains wide open, despite Barcelona’s cushion. Guirassy’s strike keeps Dortmund alive, though the odds are steep. Another goal before halftime could tilt the momentum, making Barcelona sweat as the Yellow Wall roars.

Barcelona knows one goal could kill Dortmund’s dream. Flick’s men will look to exploit counters, with Yamal and Raphinha poised to strike. Lewandowski’s knack for big moments looms large. For now, the 1-0 scoreline keeps the tie electric, with drama guaranteed until the end.



The Signal Iduna Park roars with the fervor of Borussia Dortmund’s fans, who are pushing their team to overturn a daunting 4-0 deficit against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Within the opening minutes, hope surged through the German side as Serhou Guirassy delivered a breathtaking penalty, chipping the ball delicately over the bar to nestle into the net at the 10-minute mark. The decision, reviewed by VAR after a controversial offside call, sent the stadium into a frenzy, giving Dortmund a glimmer of belief despite the monumental task of needing four goals to force extra time or five to advance outright to the semi-finals. Barcelona, meanwhile, holds the composure that secured their dominant first-leg victory, though early mistakes in possession revealed cracks that the hosts are eager to exploit. With the game in full swing, every moment carries weight, promising a thrilling battle until the final whistle.

Borussia Dortmund took to the pitch with a mission to etch their name in history. The famed Yellow Wall transformed the stadium into a cauldron, urging the team forward from the first whistle. Despite the odds, the Germans showed relentless energy, pressing Barcelona and capitalizing on defensive errors in the opening exchanges.

Barcelona, led by stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, aims to dictate the tempo. The Catalan giants know a single goal could all but seal their progression, but they must contend with Dortmund’s aggressive approach, which leans on the pace of wingers like Beier and Adeyemi and the clinical presence of Guirassy up top.

Key moments of the match

The game kicked off with electrifying action, setting the tone within the first 10 minutes. Dortmund displayed their intent to fight, while Barcelona struggled to settle under pressure.

  • 3’ – Araújo’s error: The Barcelona defender misplays a pass, and Beier pounces, shooting from distance, but Szczesny holds firm.
  • 4’ – Dortmund threaten: Beier crosses from the left, and Cubarsí’s clearance nearly turns into an own goal. Szczesny’s sharp save prevents disaster.
  • 5’ – Guirassy so close: After another Barcelona giveaway, Adeyemi fires a low shot, and Guirassy, scrambling on the ground, nearly connects, only to be blocked.
  • 8’ – Penalty drama: Gross goes down under Szczesny’s challenge in the box. Initially flagged for offside, the call heads to VAR for review.
  • 10’ – Guirassy’s magic: With the penalty confirmed, Guirassy steps up and chips the ball audaciously, fooling Szczesny and igniting the crowd.

Electric atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park

The vibe in Dortmund’s fortress is a weapon in itself. The Yellow Wall, with its unrelenting chants, creates an intimidating stage that has fueled historic comebacks in the past. Guirassy’s goal at the 10-minute mark turned the stands into a sea of celebration, as fans sensed a chance, however slim, for a miracle. Dortmund’s game plan hinges on wingers Beier and Adeyemi stretching Barcelona’s defense, with Guirassy lurking as a constant threat in the box. The early intensity reflects a clear intent: press high, win the ball in dangerous areas, and strike before Barcelona can settle.

Barcelona, however, refuses to buckle. Despite shaky moments, the team leans on its trademark possession to cool the tempo. Yamal’s flair briefly sparked a counter, but poor passing let the chance slip. The experience of players like De Jong and Pedri keeps the Catalans composed, even as the crowd bays for more Dortmund goals.

Dortmund’s early onslaught

The opening minutes showcased a Dortmund side unwilling to accept defeat. Niko Kovac’s men, fully aware of the four-goal gap, came out swinging with an all-out offensive approach. Beier and Adeyemi tore down the flanks, exposing nerves in Barcelona’s backline. Araújo’s mistake at the third minute hinted at vulnerabilities under the weight of Dortmund’s press and the roaring crowd.

Barcelona’s defense, anchored by Cubarsí and Araújo, faced relentless pressure. Szczesny’s heroics kept the score level before the penalty, but his error in the box handed Dortmund their breakthrough. Guirassy, Dortmund’s leading scorer this season, seized the moment with a chip that showcased both skill and nerve.

The penalty decision itself was a turning point. Gross’s run into the box, followed by Szczesny’s mistimed challenge, sparked debate until VAR intervened, rewarding Dortmund’s early dominance with a chance they converted spectacularly.

Barcelona’s response

Keeping control is Barcelona’s priority. After conceding, Hansi Flick’s side shifted focus to ball retention, aiming to silence the crowd and blunt Dortmund’s momentum. Raphinha and Yamal remain the key outlets, but a lack of precision in the final third has stifled their attack so far.

At the seventh minute, Yamal tried to ignite a counter, but his pass to Raphinha sailed too long, squandering a dangerous move. Barcelona’s plan seems to involve soaking up pressure and hitting Dortmund on the break, a tactic that shredded the Germans in the first leg’s 4-0 rout.

The midfield duo of De Jong and Pedri holds the key. Their ability to navigate Dortmund’s press and deliver accurate passes keeps Barcelona in the driver’s seat, even as the hosts push for more goals. Fermín López’s inclusion adds dynamism, though the Catalans have yet to create a clear scoring chance.

Critical plays reviewed

The opening exchanges were packed with moments that could shape the outcome. Below are the standout plays that rocked Signal Iduna Park:

  • Misstep by Araújo: The defender’s errant pass gifts Beier a shot, easily saved by Szczesny.
  • Near own goal: Beier’s cross forces Cubarsí into a desperate clearance, nearly catastrophic until Szczesny intervenes.
  • Guirassy denied: Adeyemi’s low drive finds Guirassy, who stretches but can’t connect as Barcelona’s defense holds firm.
  • VAR steps in: Gross’s fall under Szczesny’s challenge prompts a review, overturning an offside call to award a penalty.
  • Guirassy’s brilliance: The striker’s chipped penalty sails past Szczesny, giving Dortmund a vital early lead.

Dortmund’s game plan

Going all-in from the start was Dortmund’s only option. Kovac fielded an attacking lineup, with Beier and Adeyemi tasked with stretching the play and Guirassy anchoring the front line. The return of Pascal Gross, absent in the first leg, adds creativity, enabling swift transitions that caught Barcelona off guard early.

Stealing possession high up the pitch is central to their approach. The opening minutes saw Araújo and Cubarsí rattled, creating chances that could have yielded more without Szczesny’s saves. Guirassy’s composure from the spot could inspire further heroics, but Dortmund must balance their aggression to avoid leaving gaps for Barcelona’s lethal counters.

The crowd’s energy fuels every move. Each tackle draws roars, and Guirassy’s goal felt like a seismic shift. Sustaining that intensity while staying disciplined defensively is the tightrope Dortmund must walk.

Barcelona’s defensive resolve

Despite early wobbles, Barcelona trusts its backline to weather the storm. Cubarsí, just 17, shows poise beyond his years, even after nearly costing his team. Araújo, despite his initial error, remains a commanding presence, ready to battle Guirassy physically.

Szczesny’s experience is invaluable. His saves before the penalty kept Barcelona in the game, though the penalty blunder highlighted a rare lapse. The Pole’s ability to stay calm under pressure will be tested as Dortmund continues to swarm.

Martín, on the left, has held his own against Beier’s runs, ensuring Barcelona’s flanks aren’t overrun. The defensive unit’s cohesion is critical to preserving the aggregate lead, especially as Dortmund hunts for more goals.

The crowd’s influence

The Yellow Wall is a spectacle like no other. Its chants reverberate through Signal Iduna Park, turning every moment into a battle cry. Guirassy’s penalty unleashed a tidal wave of noise, making the stadium feel alive with possibility. The fans’ belief could push Dortmund to defy the odds, as it has in past European nights.

Barcelona, however, is no stranger to hostile arenas. Veterans like Lewandowski, who once called Dortmund home, know how to block out the noise. Still, the relentless pressure from the stands will challenge even the most seasoned players, especially if Dortmund keeps the scoreboard ticking.

The crowd’s role can’t be overstated. If Dortmund scores again, the atmosphere could become suffocating for Barcelona, amplifying every mistake and fueling the hosts’ momentum.

Head-to-head history

Dortmund and Barcelona have a storied rivalry, though the Catalans hold the edge. In this season’s group stage, Barcelona edged a 3-2 thriller in Dortmund, with Ferran Torres sealing it late. The first leg’s 4-0 demolition showcased Barcelona’s clinical edge, with Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal overwhelming a depleted Dortmund side.

Historically, Dortmund has yet to beat Barcelona in six competitive meetings, with four losses and two draws. Guirassy’s goal offers a chance to rewrite that narrative, but overturning a four-goal deficit would be a feat for the ages. The 2017 Barcelona-PSG comeback looms as a rare precedent, but Dortmund needs perfection to pull it off.

Dortmund’s uphill battle

Clawing back a 4-0 deficit is a near-impossible ask in the Champions League. Only once has such a turnaround happened—Barcelona’s 6-1 rout of PSG in 2017. Dortmund draws inspiration from that, but faces a Barcelona side unbeaten in 24 matches this season, brimming with confidence.

Injuries to Sabitzer and Schlotterbeck hurt Dortmund’s depth, though Gross’s return bolsters the midfield. Guirassy’s form is a bright spot, but scoring early, as they did, is only the start. Avoiding defensive lapses while maintaining pressure is a delicate balance against a team as ruthless as Barcelona.

Barcelona’s dominance

Barcelona is riding a wave of form. Hansi Flick’s side tops La Liga by four points and remains unbeaten in 2025. The first leg’s rout was a masterclass, with Lewandowski’s brace, Raphinha’s flair, and Yamal’s magic. Their attack has 23 Champions League goals this season, led by the trio’s brilliance.

Yamal, at 17, is a global sensation, terrorizing defenses with his pace. Pedri and De Jong orchestrate the midfield with precision, while Cubarsí and Araújo form a near-impenetrable backline, conceding just five goals in 11 European games. Barcelona’s blend of youth and experience makes them favorites to cruise through.

Defining minutes

The opening salvo set pulses racing, with Dortmund seizing the initiative. Below are the moments that shaped the start:

  • 1’ – Raphinha’s run: A long ball finds Raphinha, but Kobel claims it as the pass overreaches.
  • 3’ – Araújo’s blunder: Beier steals a loose pass and shoots, but Szczesny is equal to it.
  • 4’ – Cubarsí’s scare: Beier’s cross deflects off Cubarsí, nearly sneaking in until Szczesny saves.
  • 8’ – Penalty call: Szczesny fells Gross, and VAR overturns an offside to award Dortmund a spot-kick.
  • 10’ – Guirassy’s gem: The striker’s chipped penalty outfoxes Szczesny, sparking wild celebrations.

What lies ahead

The game remains wide open, despite Barcelona’s cushion. Guirassy’s strike keeps Dortmund alive, though the odds are steep. Another goal before halftime could tilt the momentum, making Barcelona sweat as the Yellow Wall roars.

Barcelona knows one goal could kill Dortmund’s dream. Flick’s men will look to exploit counters, with Yamal and Raphinha poised to strike. Lewandowski’s knack for big moments looms large. For now, the 1-0 scoreline keeps the tie electric, with drama guaranteed until the end.



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