Borussia Dortmund Faces Uphill Battle Against Barcelona

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac is calling for a vastly improved performance from his team to overcome a 4-0 deficit against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final return leg.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac is calling for a vastly improved performance from his team when they host Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final return leg on Tuesday. Dortmund faces a daunting task, needing to overcome a 4-0 deficit after their thrashing in the first leg, where Robert Lewandowski, a former Dortmund striker, scored twice.

🎙️ Niko Kovac:

"We have to be there from the first minute tomorrow and get the fans on our side. We can only get the necessary wind from them through willingness to run, performance and passion." #BVBBarca pic.twitter.com/rX8DLCBzWP

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 14, 2025

Kovac acknowledged the challenge but urged his team to show a different face in the return leg. “We know the situation. We want to show a completely different face tomorrow than in the first leg and win the game,” he said. Kovac is aware of the odds, noting that Barcelona remains undefeated in 2024, but he emphasized the importance of a strong start and fan support.

🎙️ Niko Kovac ahead of BVB vs Barcelona:

"We rested Emre in training today. He's had muscular problems in his adductor area for weeks and is always biting his teeth. You have to emphasize that. It's possible that he won't play tomorrow, we'll have to see."#BVBBarca

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 14, 2025

“We have to be there from the first minute tomorrow and get the fans on our side,” Kovac said. “We'll only get the necessary wind from them, the willingness to run, performance and passion.” Kovac believes that with the right mindset and energy from the fans, Dortmund might just pull off a miracle and advance to the semi-finals.

Borussia Dortmund's captain Emre Can's availability for the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Barcelona is uncertain due to muscular problems in his adductor area. Coach Niko Kovac said, “We rested Emre in training today. He's had muscular problems in his adductor area for weeks now and he's always gritting his teeth.” Kovac added that it's possible Can won't play, and the final decision will be made later.

🎙️ Niko Kovac:

"We are aware of the situation. We want to show a completely different face tomorrow than in the first leg and win the game. There are always miracles, but we also know that Barcelona haven't lost a competitive game yet this year." #BVBBarca

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 14, 2025

Kovac praised midfielder Felix Nmecha, who returned to the team earlier this month after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury. “Felix has developed very well as a player and as a person,” Kovac said. “He can do everything on the ball, has great dynamics and is a complete player.” However, Kovac noted that Nmecha is still slightly behind in terms of fitness after his long injury layoff.