Champions League: Barcelona Survive Guirassy Hat-Trick to Reach Semi-Final
Barcelona managed to hold onto their aggregate lead despite a hat-trick from Serhou Guirassy as they secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Catalan side had won 4-0 in the first leg at home, which seemed to have put the tie beyond Borussia Dortmund. However, the German side gave them a scare, especially in the first half, and it took an own goal from Ramy Bensebaini to calm Barcelona’s nerves.
Dortmund started strongly, putting pressure on Barcelona with early chances. Guirassy gave them hope by scoring a penalty after Pascal Gross was fouled in the box by Wojciech Szczesny. Barcelona looked rattled and were under pressure as Karim Adeyemi caused problems down the left wing. However, despite Dortmund’s early dominance, they couldn’t convert their chances.
The second half began with Dortmund’s Guirassy heading in his second goal, reducing the deficit. But just as Dortmund were pushing for an equaliser, Barcelona got a break. A cross from Fermin López was turned into his own net by Bensebaini, putting the tie firmly in Barcelona’s favour.
Despite another goal from Guirassy to complete his hat-trick and a disallowed goal from Julian Brandt, Barcelona’s 3-0 lead from the first leg proved too much for Dortmund to overcome.
While Barcelona were never fully comfortable, especially with Dortmund’s pressing game, they still managed to hold on and reach the semi-finals. However, the way they struggled with Dortmund’s intensity and their vulnerability to the press will give Inter Milan or Bayern Munich something to consider as they look to challenge Barcelona’s title hopes.
