Borussia Dortmund return to Champions League duty facing a mountain to climb, trailing Barcelona 4-0 after a humbling first-leg defeat in Catalonia.
Despite making an unexpected run to last season's final, Dortmund have continued to stumble domestically, with their Bundesliga form taking another dip this campaign. Still, they've found a way to stay alive in Europe, though their continental adventure appears to be nearing its end after the drubbing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
To their credit, Dortmund displayed resilience on Saturday, battling to a 2-2 draw against league leaders Bayern Munich in a lively Klassiker at the Allianz Arena, a result that salvaged some pride ahead of their daunting midweek assignment.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are in complete control of the quarter-final and look set to cruise into the last four after their dominant display last Wednesday.
Xavi's side backed that up with a tight 1-0 victory over Leganes in La Liga, though the win came at a price. Left-back Alejandro Balde suffered a hamstring strain and is unlikely to feature in the second leg, with youngster Gerard Martin expected to deputize as the Blaugrana aim to seal the deal in Dortmund.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Champions League match in Canada:
TV channel: —
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in Canada. Streaming options are available on DAZN.
What time does Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany and kicks off on Tuesday, April 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Canada:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Atlantic Time | Tue, Apr. 15 | 4:00 p.m. |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Apr. 15 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Apr. 15 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Apr. 15 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Apr. 15 | 12:00 p.m. |
Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona predicted lineups, team news
Borussia Dortmund will be thrilled to have Pascal Gross back in the mix for Tuesday's Champions League showdown, after the midfield maestro sat out the first leg due to suspension. The ex-Brighton midfielder ran the show in Der Klassiker, and he’s expected to slot right back into the thick of it against Barcelona.
However, not everything's rosy on the injury front. Niko Kovac will still be without key duo Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck, both nursing knee injuries — and in Schlotterbeck’s case, it’s a long road to recovery with months on the sidelines ahead.
Tactically, Kovac has been tinkering lately, flirting with a back three. But with Dortmund needing to throw the kitchen sink at Barcelona to keep their Champions League dreams alive, he may revert to the more familiar 4-2-3-1 setup. That likely spells a seat on the bench for Niklas Sule, as the focus shifts from cautious buildup to full-throttle attack.
Borussia Dortmund predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kobel (GK) — Ryerson, Can, Anton, Bensebaini — Gross, Nmecha — Gittens, Brandt, Adeyemi — Guirassy.
Injured: Marcel Sabitzer, Nico Schlotterbeck.
Suspended: None.
Barcelona’s weekend win over Leganes didn't come without its fair share of bumps and bruises. Left-back Alejandro Balde pulled up with a hamstring issue that’s set to keep him out of action until month’s end—tough timing with a trip to Signal Iduna Park looming large.
Fortunately for Xavi's men, Gerard Martin is waiting in the wings and should slide straight into Balde's spot in the back line. But he won't be the only fresh face on the sidelines. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal are all nursing knee injuries and won’t be suiting up anytime soon.
Upfield, Dani Olmo's adductor is still giving him grief, and he looks unlikely to recover in time. That opens the door once again for Fermin Lopez to pull the strings in the No. 10 role, especially after teeing up Lewandowski's second in the first leg. With Gavi breathing down his neck, Lopez will be keen to deliver the goods and keep his name on the team sheet.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin — Pedri, De Jong — Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Alejandro Balde, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal.
Suspended: None.
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, April 15
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona (3:00 p.m.)
- Aston Villa vs. Paris Saint-Germain (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 16
- Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich (3:00 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Arsenal (3:00 p.m.)