Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals despite loss ending unbeaten streak 3-1

Barcelona's recent journey in the UEFA Champions League has been marked by a significant achievement, as they reached the semi-finals despite a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. This match, which concluded on April 15, 2025, ended Barcelona's impressive unbeaten streak for the year. Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy notably scored a hat-trick, showcasing his offensive prowess; however, Barcelona had previously secured a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final tie .

Five-time European champions Barcelona reached their first Champions League semifinal in six seasons with a 5-3 aggregate victory despite being beaten 3-1 by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Serhou Guirassy scored a hat trick for Dortmund to condemn Barça to their first defeat in 24 games across all competitions this year, but that could not prevent the Catalans from reaching the last four for the first time since 2019.

Barcelona will play either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich, who face each other Wednesday, in the last four.

Barça continued without finding clarity in the first stages of the complement and Dortmund soon extended the advantage. After a rehearsed play, Bensebaini enabled Guirassy to score his second of the night pushing the ball at will inside the small area. Raphinha tried to avoid the goal, but doing so would have been sent off for touching the leather with his hand.

The locals seemed launched for the heroic, but the madness in the Signal Iduna Park only lasted five minutes. In the 55th minute, a cross from Fermín from the right for Lewandowski, after a good filtered pass from Koundé, ended in an own goal by Bensebaini. The Algerian arrived in time to clear, but ended up shooting Kobel accidentally.

Barcelona advanced to the semifinals, their first since 2018-19, with a 5-3 aggregate victory. They will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. Their resilience throughout the competition highlights their strategic approach and performance under pressure.The quarterfinal clash against PSG was a testament to this, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. While the victory was hard-fought, it underscored Barcelona's re-emergence as a force to be reckoned with in European football. The prospect of facing either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich presents a significant challenge, demanding further refinement of their game plan. Both potential opponents boast formidable squads and tactical prowess, promising a high-stakes semifinal encounter. The coaching staff will undoubtedly be meticulously analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, seeking to exploit any vulnerabilities. Regardless of the opponent, Barcelona's unwavering spirit and commitment to their playing style will be crucial in their quest to reach the final. The Camp Nou faithful eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating Champions League campaign, hoping to witness their team continue their remarkable journey.

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Sarah H

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