Kovac Cautions Borussia Dortmund About Barcelona's Potent Attack In Champions League Quarter-Finals

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Coach Niko Kovac has highlighted the challenge Borussia Dortmund faces in containing Barcelona's dynamic attack in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final. Barcelona, with an unbeaten record this year, boasts a formidable front line featuring Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. They are pursuing a potential quadruple, having already secured the Supercopa de Espana and leading LaLiga ahead of Real Madrid.

Kovac acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead, given his team's current form. "We come here as outsiders, as underdogs, but it does not make it easier for our opponent," he stated. Despite being seen as underdogs, Kovac remains optimistic about Dortmund's chances over the two legs. He believes that playing at home in Dortmund will provide them with opportunities to reach the semi-finals.

Barcelona is considered favourites by Opta's supercomputer to win the Champions League with a 23.1% chance and a 78.2% chance of eliminating Dortmund in the first leg in Catalonia. Meanwhile, Dortmund is eighth in the Bundesliga after a recent 4-1 victory over Freiburg, casting doubt on their return to Europe's top club competition for 2025-26.

Dortmund will be without key players for this match. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a meniscus tear in his left knee. Additionally, Pascal Gross will miss out because of suspension. These absences add to Dortmund's challenges against Barcelona's potent attack.

Kovac emphasised discipline as crucial against Barcelona's attacking prowess. "We know the attacking power we will come up against tomorrow," he said. He acknowledged Barcelona's strengths but also noted that every team has weaknesses that can be exploited. While Kovac did not reveal specific tactics, he assured reporters that they have a plan in place.

Despite Barcelona's pursuit of multiple titles this season, Kovac remains focused on the immediate task at hand. "I cannot imagine that Hansi [Flick] is talking about winning the treble," he mentioned, highlighting Flick's grounded approach. For Kovac and his team, securing a positive result against Barcelona is their primary goal.

The upcoming match presents a significant test for Dortmund as they aim to overcome one of Europe's strongest teams. With strategic planning and disciplined execution, they hope to defy expectations and advance further in the competition.