Champions League: Dani Olmo returns as Barca name squad for QF second leg

IANS April 14, 2025 223 views

Barcelona stands on the brink of a Champions League semi-final return after their stunning 4-0 first-leg victory against Borussia Dortmund. The team welcomes back midfielder Dani Olmo from injury, boosting their confidence for the away leg. Robert Lewandowski's two goals in the first match have virtually sealed their progression. Coach Hansi Flick will be looking to manage the game professionally and avoid any unexpected complications at Signal Iduna Park.

"We're well placed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2019" - Implied Team Strategy
Barcelona, April 14: After an excellent win last week in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Borussia Dortmund at home, Barcelona FC will now face off against the German club again on Wednesday (IST) in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Key Points

1

Barca seeking Champions League semis after dominating first leg

2

Dani Olmo returns from injury

3

Lewandowski scored twice in 4-0 victory

4

Alejandro Balde misses crucial away match

After a dominating 4-0 win in the first leg, Barca are well placed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2019. However, they still have a job to do in the second leg at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.

Ahead of their trip to Germany, coach Hansi Flick has named the travelling squad. Key midfielder Dani Olmo is back in the squad after having recovered from an adductor injury and receiving his medical clearance on Sunday.

Olmo had missed Barcelona’s last five matches, including the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid and the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Borussia Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde, who sustained a distal injury to his left hamstring during a 1-0 win away from home at Leganes, misses out. This season Balde has been a regular in the side, making 42 appearances in all competition, 37 as a starter.

He has found the back of the net on one occasion, in the 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the final of the Supercopa de Espana, and provided 10 assists from the flank.

In the first leg, a pair of goals from Robert Lewandowski along with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal finishes gave Barca a 4-0 lead at home. The win equalled Barcelona's largest victory in a UEFA competition quarterfinal. The Catalan club had won by that margin on six occasions previously, including four times with the same scoreline.

Barcelona FC squad: Cubarsi, R. Araujo, I. Martinez, Gavi, Ferran, Pedri, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Inaki Pena, Pablo Torre, Christensen, Fermin, Pau Victor, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. De Jong, Kounde, Eric, Szczesny, Kochen, H. Fort and Gerard Martin.

Reader Comments

M
Marcos T.
Olmo's return is huge! We missed his creativity in midfield these past matches. Hope he can make an impact right away 💙❤️ #ForçaBarça
S
Sophia K.
While I'm excited about the 4-0 lead, we can't get complacent. Dortmund at home is a different beast. Remember what happened to PSG last year...
J
Javier R.
Balde's absence worries me. He's been so important this season with his runs and assists. Hope the young guys can step up!
A
Aisha L.
That Lewandowski brace last week was pure class 👏 Can't wait to see what he does in Germany! The man just keeps delivering in big games.
T
Thomas B.
Respectful criticism: I think Flick should rotate more. Some players looked exhausted last match. We have depth - let's use it!
L
Lina P.
Yamal continues to impress me every game. 16 years old and playing like this in UCL quarterfinals? Future Ballon d'Or contender for sure!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Barcelona Champions League Dani Olmo Robert Lewandowski Borussia Dortmund UEFA Quarterfinals
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