Barcelona Survive Guirassy’s Hat-Trick Scare as Barcelona Star Shines in Champions League Thriller

On April 15, 2025, Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park erupted in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg that will be remembered for its intensity and drama. Despite a 3-1 defeat on the night, FC Barcelona advanced to the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory, ending a six-year drought from the final four. Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy delivered a sensational hat-trick, threatening a historic comeback from a 4-0 first-leg deficit, but Barcelona’s resilience—and the standout performance of Raphinha—ensured the Catalans held firm.

Barcelona entered the match as heavy favorites after their dominant 4-0 win in the first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. However, Dortmund, fueled by the raucous Yellow Wall, came out swinging, determined to defy the odds. Guirassy, the Champions League’s top scorer with 13 goals this season, was the spearhead of their attack, and his clinical finishing kept Barcelona on edge throughout the night. Yet, despite his heroics, Barcelona’s tactical discipline and key individual performances—most notably from Raphinha—prevented Dortmund from completing what would have been one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history.

Guirassy’s Brilliance Meets Raphinha’s Tenacity

Serhou Guirassy was the undisputed star for Dortmund, showcasing why he’s among Europe’s elite strikers. His hat-trick began in the 11th minute with a confident penalty after Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny fouled Pascal Gross. Early in the second half, he nodded in a close-range header from a corner, halving the aggregate deficit and igniting Dortmund’s hopes. His third, a powerful strike in the 76th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by Ronald Araújo, sent the stadium into a frenzy, bringing Dortmund within two goals of forcing extra time.

However, Raphinha, Barcelona’s Brazilian winger, proved to be the thorn in Guirassy’s side, indirectly stifling Dortmund’s momentum through his relentless work rate and attacking threat. While Guirassy thrived in the box, Raphinha’s influence was felt across the pitch, particularly in his defensive contributions and ability to stretch Dortmund’s backline. His constant pressing and tracking back disrupted Dortmund’s build-up play, forcing Guirassy to operate in tighter spaces and limiting the service he received from wingers like Karim Adeyemi and Maximilian Beier.

Raphinha’s impact was most evident in the sequence leading to Barcelona’s crucial goal. In the 54th minute, just five minutes after Guirassy’s second, Raphinha’s run into the box drew defenders toward him, creating space for Fermín López to deliver a low cross. The ball was inadvertently turned into the net by Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini, restoring Barcelona’s three-goal aggregate cushion and deflating the hosts’ momentum. This own goal, sparked by Raphinha’s movement, was a turning point, as it forced Dortmund to chase an even steeper uphill battle.

While Raphinha didn’t find the net, his performance was a masterclass in versatility. Offensively, he was a constant menace, using his pace and dribbling to exploit gaps in Dortmund’s high defensive line. His ability to switch flanks and combine with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski kept Dortmund’s defenders on their toes, preventing them from focusing solely on feeding Guirassy. Defensively, Raphinha’s relentless pressing set the tone for Barcelona’s efforts to regain control after a shaky start. He frequently dropped deep to win back possession, disrupting Dortmund’s rhythm and forcing errors in midfield that reduced Guirassy’s opportunities to receive clean balls in dangerous areas.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s manager, praised Raphinha’s contribution post-match, noting his “incredible work rate and ability to influence both ends of the pitch.” Flick acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “Dortmund played very well, and we didn’t have our best day, but players like Raphinha showed the heart we needed to get through.”

Dortmund’s early dominance, with four shots on target in the first 10 minutes, exposed Barcelona’s nerves. Guirassy missed a couple of early chances, but his penalty and header showcased his lethal finishing. Yet, Raphinha’s presence ensured Barcelona remained a threat on the counter, preventing Dortmund from committing fully to their attacking onslaught. When Julian Brandt’s potential fourth goal was ruled offside in the 78th minute, Barcelona’s survival was sealed, thanks in part to Raphinha’s disciplined positioning, which helped maintain the defensive structure.

Guirassy’s hat-trick earned him the PlayStation® Player of the Match award, and his 13 goals set a new Dortmund record for a single Champions League campaign. However, Raphinha’s understated brilliance ensured that Guirassy’s efforts fell just short. As Dortmund coach Niko Kovač lamented, “We needed a miracle, and we almost got it, but Barcelona’s quality and resilience made the difference.

Barcelona’s victory marks their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2019, setting up a clash with either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. For Raphinha, this match was a testament to his growing importance under Flick, blending flair with grit to neutralize one of Europe’s most in-form strikers. While Guirassy’s hat-trick will live long in Dortmund’s memory, Raphinha’s all-around display was the quiet force that kept Barcelona’s dreams alive.

As the Catalans march toward the final four, Raphinha’s performance against Dortmund serves as a reminder: in the Champions League, it’s not just about scoring goals—it’s about rising to the occasion in every facet of the game.