Spanish giants stumble in Germany but hold on to secure semi-final spot after frantic 3-1 defeat.
Barcelona booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but not without enduring a heart-stopping night in Dortmund as Borussia Dortmund fought valiantly to overturn a heavy first-leg deficit. Despite losing 3-1 on the night, the Spanish side advanced 5-3 on aggregate, though they were pushed to the brink by a relentless Dortmund attack.
Xavi’s men arrived in Germany hoping to kill off the tie early, but their aggressive tactics played into Dortmund’s hands. The hosts, needing a miracle after a 4-0 first-leg drubbing, came out swinging—and nearly pulled off the impossible. Leading the charge was Serhou Guirassy, who tormented Barcelona’s defense all night, netting a hat-trick and nearly inspiring a historic comeback.
The striker opened the scoring with a cheeky Panenka penalty in the 11th minute after spurning two golden early chances. He wasn’t done there, adding two more close-range strikes in the second half as Dortmund piled on the pressure. The German side saw two more goals disallowed for offside and racked up a staggering 18 shots—11 on target—as Barcelona clung on desperately.
The visitors did find a crucial lifeline when a low cross deflected off Ramy Bensebaini for an own goal, briefly easing the tension. But Guirassy’s third of the night set up a nervy finale, leaving Barcelona to weather a late storm before finally securing their passage.
Now, the Blaugrana await the winner of Internazionale vs. Bayern Munich, with a place in the final at stake. After this rollercoaster performance, Xavi will know his side must tighten up if they are to lift the trophy in June.
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