Barcelona's Nervy Survival: From Brink of Collapse to Champions League Semifinal Redemption

European Night of Contrasts in Signal Iduna Cauldron

DORTMUND, Germany – Barcelona's 4-0 first-leg masterclass nearly unraveled in a pyrotechnic-fueled nightmare at Europe's most intimidating fortress, surviving Serhou Guirassy's historic hat trick (13th UCL goal this season) to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Key Moments That Shook Der BVB

• 17' PENALTY DRAMA: Wojciech Szczęsny's sluggish challenge gifts Guirassy opener
• 53' Yellow Wall Eruption: Towering header from corner exposes Barça's zonal marking
• 68' Own Goal Lifeline: Ramy Bensebaini deflection temporarily silences 80,000-strong roar
• 74' Araújo's Howler: Costly backpass intercepted for Guirassy's tournament-leading 13th strike

Post-Match Fallout

Raphinha admitted: "We abandoned our pressing identity – this can't happen against Bayern or Inter." Defender Jules Koundé highlighted systemic failures: "No intensity, poor spacing – we invited pressure."

Hansi Flick's Reality Check:

• Extended Barça's UCL semifinal drought end (6-year wait)
• Maintained treble-chasing momentum (LaLiga +4pts, Copa final booked)
• Exposed squad depth concerns with Balde/Martín fullback crisis

Road to Wembley Heats Up

With April 26 Clásico Copa final looming, Barcelona must address:

1. High-line defensive fragility
2. Pedri's midfield dependency
3. Yamal's workload management (17yo starter in 7/20 days)

Historical Context:

• First UCL semifinal since 2019's Anfield collapse
• Guirassy becomes first player since Lewandowski (2013) to score UCL hat trick vs Barça

Fixture Pile-Up Alert

"This isn't 2015 MSN team," warned Flick. "But our hunger matches any era."