Barça Pushes Through but Doubts Linger

In a dramatic clash, Barcelona clinched their long-awaited spot in the Champions League semi-finals, marking their first appearance there in six years. However, Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund raises serious questions about their title aspirations.

Dortmund, under Hansi Flick, showcased an impressive performance that kept Barcelona on edge throughout the match. The home team found the back of the net three times, with one goal controversially disallowed for offside, sending shockwaves through the Barça defense that faltered under pressure at Signal Iduna Park.

This unexpected battle came after a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg. Echoes of past defeats against Roma and Liverpool loomed large as Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi wreaked havoc down the left flank, exposing vulnerabilities in Barcelona's backline. Fueled by their electrifying crowd, Dortmund intensified their attacks, leaving Barça looking shaky.

Ultimately, the match marked the end of Barcelona's unbeaten streak this season, giving Wojciech Szczęsny a taste of defeat in his new colors. Luckily for Barca, they advance with a 5-3 aggregate, but this encounter serves as a stark warning about the need for improvement going forward.

Pedri and Martinez: Barcelona's Untouchables

Head coach Hansi Flick opted for strategic changes, resting the pivotal Pedri and sidelining Inigo Martinez, who was on the verge of suspension. Their absence was glaringly felt, as Barcelona struggled to maintain calm and coherence without their key playmaker and defensive stalwart.

Upon Pedri's introduction in the second half, the Barcelona offense transformed, highlighting just how integral he is to the team's dynamic. Martinez's defensive acumen was equally missed, as Ronald Araujo's mistakes—most notably his errant pass leading to Dortmund's third goal—exposed Barcelona's vulnerabilities.

A Challenging Path Ahead: Bayern or Inter?

Looking ahead, Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Inter holds the advantage with a 2-1 lead from the first leg and home-field support for the return match.

Having already defeated Bayern 4-1 earlier in the group stage, Barcelona might prefer a rematch against them over facing a motivated Inter team eager to capitalize on Barcelona’s recent struggles.

Both potential opponents will be emboldened by Dortmund's strong showing, conceding 13 chances against Barça last week and 18 in their win. Flick, however, remains optimistic, stating, "What’s important is that we are in the semifinal. We have to view things positively. What the team has done is phenomenal." He stressed the need to evaluate recent performances critically as they prepare for the high-stakes challenge ahead.

While this season has been outstanding for Barcelona, Tuesday's performance signals an urgent call to elevate their game if they hope to reach the final.