Barcelona 1-2 PSG (agg 4-4) – Champions League quarter-final: Live score, team news and updates as Vitinha fires French champions level from range against 10-man Catalans

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CLOSE! Barcelona 1-2 PSG (agg 4-4)

Barcelona nearly respond instantly!.

Ilkay Gundogan smashes an effort off the outside of the post just moments after going behind.

The Olympic Stadium liked that one, they need more of it.

GOAL!!! Barcelona 1-2 PSG (agg 4-4) (Vitinha 54′)

I said it was coming and there it is. Vitinha collects the ball outside the are and fires it low into the bottom corner.

I must say, that was a lazy effort at blocking from Robert Lewandowski.

CHANCE! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

PSG are all over Barcelona.

Fabian Ruiz comes inches from firing PSG level from a tight angle, that was extremely close.

A goal is coming, you feel it every time the visitors fly forward.

CLOSE! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

Nearly a howler from Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Achraf Hakimi has a go from distance and it looks like a run-of-the-mill save for the Barcelona keeper, but he nearly shovels it over his own head and into the net, but it goes over the bar.

PSG can’t capitalise from the corner.

GOAL!!! Dortmund 2-1 Atletico (agg 3-3) (Hummels OG 49′)

Oh no, Mats Hummels. The experienced centre-back turns Mario Hermoso’s header into his own net.

It almost felt like it rolled in slow motion. I can’t tell if that was poor or just unlucky. I think I’ll go with poor.

Atletico have been given a lifeline.

SECOND-HALF!

Here we go, we are back underway in both matches.

It’s been an eventful night so far in both Spain and Germany, and I’m sure it will carry on in that vein.

Brilliant Brandt

Big games mean players need to step up and that’s exactly what Julian Brandt has done tonight.

The midfielder was brought back into the side this evening and he has caused Atletico’s problems all night.

His finish for the first goal was well-taken and he has sent them well on their way to the semi-finals.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - April 16, 2024  Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

WATCH: Barcelona let PSG back in the tie

Are these the two moments where the tie changed?

Barcelona were defending incredibly until Ronald Arujo was sent off, they were in full control of the tie.

That’s all changed now and Ousmane Dembele’s equaliser means the game brilliantly poised.

Raphinha haunts PSG again

Before the quarter-final stage, Raphionha hadn’t scored a Champions League goal.

However, he now has three and all against PSG, they can’t contain him, and he is dangerous every time he gets a hold of the ball.

Just look at the statistic below, not bad company to be in…

HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

The way a game can change in the blink of an eye is exceptional, and it happened there.

Barcelona were in control of the game and the tie when Raphinha fired them in front after just 13 minutes.

But, when Ronald Araujo was sent off for taking out Bradley Barcola, the complexion of the match changed.

Ousmane Dembele netted once again against his old side and now PSG are back in it and have all the momentum.

Don’t go anywhere, we have a big 45 minutes left.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona reacts towards Referee Istvan Kovacs as he is ushered off after being shown a red card following a foul on Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #10 Ousmane Dembele celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Paris SG at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on April 16, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

CLOSE! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

Ousmane Dembele nearly gets another.

For a man who had only scored one goal all season before the quarter-finals, he looks extremely threatening.

This time the Frenchman fires a low drive slightly wide from a tight angle. So close.

HALF-TIME: Dortmund 2-0 Atletico (agg 3-2)

That was some first half from Borussia Dortmund.

With the yellow wall behind them, Dortmund went at Atletico from the very first whistle and deservedly lead the game and the tie.

Julian Brandt has been excellent and fired the hosts into the lead before Ian Maatsen added a second minutes later.

Diego Simeone has a big team talk to make, Atletico have been all over the shop.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - April 16, 2024  Borussia Dortmund's Ian Maatsen celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

Dortmund 2-0 Atletico (agg 3-2)

Atletico just can’t cope with Dortmund at the moment.

The visitors make a hash of clearing a set-piece, they look nervous everytime the ball is thrown in there.

Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

Bradley Barcola has been brilliant so far.

His eyes light up as the ball falls in front of him and he attempts an audacious volley into the far corner, but it flies over the bar.

You have to respect him for even trying that.

GOAL!!! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3) (Dembele 39′)

PSG are level and it’s none other than Ousmane Dembele, against his old club, with a powerful finish to silence the Olympic Stadium.

A scuffle then breaks out in the net and yellow cards are handed out to both Kylian Mbappe and Inigo Martinez.

What a game this is, I said they always bring the heat.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele scores their first goal past FC Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen REUTERS/Albert Gea
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 FC Barcelona's Inigo Martinez is shown a yellow card by referee Istvan Kovacs after Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele scores their first goal REUTERS/Juan Medina

GOAL!!! Dortmund 2-0 Atletico (agg 3-2) (Maatsen 39′)

Wow, Dortmund now lead on aggregate!

It’s another finish from a tight angle and this time it’s Chelsea loanee Ian Maatson who arrows it past Jan Oblak.

Borussia Dortmund have been excellent, and fully deserve their two goals.

Dortmund's Dutch defender #22 Ian Maatsen (3rd L) scores the 2-0 goal past Atletico Madrid's Slovenian goalkeeper #13 Jan Oblak (R) during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on April 16, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - April 16, 2024  Borussia Dortmund's Ian Maatsen celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

SUBSTITUTION: Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

Oh, that’s not who I was expecting to come off.

Yamine Lamal has been excellent so far, but he is the unlucky one who has to come off after the red card.

Dortmund 1-0 Atletico (agg 2-2)

Dortmund have dominated and probably just deserve this lead. That left side for Dortmund – right side for Atletico – is the avenue they are going down time and again. Diego Simeone needs to do something to plug that gaping hole.

GOAL!!! Dortmund 1-0 Atletico (agg 2-2) (Brandt 34′)

Signal Iduna Park erupts as Julian Brandt sends Borussia Dortmund in front with a fine strike from a narrow-angle.

Brandt has been causing problems all game and gets his reward as he latches on to a chip over the top and squeezes it under Jan Oblak.

They are level on aggregate and it’s deserved!

epa11283078 Dortmund's Julian Brandt (R) scores the 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League quarter final, 2nd leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in Dortmund, Germany, 16 April 2024.  EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - April 16, 2024  Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt celebrates scoring their first goal with Jadon Sancho REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

Ousmane Demble hangs over the free-kick before sending it narrowly over the bar.

The crowd cheers but deep down they will now be nervous, that was needless from Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona’s grip on the tie dramatically loosens.

RED CARD! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2) (Araujo)

Ronald Araujo has been shown a red card!

The Barcelona defender pulls back Bradley Barcola as he races through on goal and is shown a straight red by the referee.

He’s lucky that the foul is just outside the area, but that is a huge blow for Barcelona.

How will that impact this tie?

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs gives a red card to Barcelona's Uruguayan defender #04 Ronald Araujo during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Paris SG at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on April 16, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

GOOD SAVE! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

PSG are starting to ramp up their reply.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is forced into a smart save by Kylian Mbappe before the chaos ensues and Barcelona eventually clear.

I thought the net was about to ripple as Mbappe hit that ball!

Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

Ousmane Dembele is not enjoying himself.

Whistles echo around the stadium as he approaches to take a corner which he then bends straight 8into the side-netting. He slumps and walks away.

Cheers break out as they do every time he makes a mistake.

Dortmund 0-0 Atletico (agg 1-2)

Borussia Dortmund are really up for this, and so is Julian Brandt.

The midfielder is showing why it was the right decision to bring him into the side. He has forced Jan Oblak into a snappy save and is causing all sorts of problems.

You just feel he may be the one to open the deadlock.

CLOSE! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

Raphinha comes alive again and he fires in a lovely ball into the area which is cleared into the path of Robert Lewandowski.

The Poland Captain makes room for himself and then smashes a ferocious effort just over the bar.

That would have taken the net off.

Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

A first chance for kylian mbappe.

The Frenchman heads over from a set-piece, he just couldn’t get over the top of the ball.

You feel the visitors will need to reply quickly if they are in with any chance of progressing this evening.

Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2)

The Olympic Stadium is a cauldron of hostility right now, it must be so hard for the PSG players.

If the stadium actually had a roof, it would have been blown off when that goal went in.

GOAL!!! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2) (Raphinha 13′)

The Olympic Stadium goes bonkers!

The hosts have been pinned in their own half, but Lamine Yamal bursts into life, dribbling all the way to the byline before firing a low cross across the area.

The ball bounces in off I think Raphinha, but it may also be an Achraf Hakimi own goal.

Barcelona don’t care though, that’s a huge step towards the semi-finals.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 FC Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal with Lamine Yamal REUTERS/Albert Gea
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 FC Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Albert Gea

Barcelona 0-0 PSG (agg 3-2)

Barcelona can’t get a kick at the moment.

PSG have had all the ball, but they haven’t caused the Catalonians many problems as of yet.

There is a constant whistle from the Barcelona fans until huge cheers break out when Ousmane Dembele slips over.

They really aren’t fans of their former winger.

Dortmund 0-0 Atletico (agg 1-2)

I’m open-mouthed at that. Surely rule No 1 is smash that first time?! Marcel Sabitzer will be having nightmares about missing that from a few yards out if Dortmund end up on the losing side.

Dortmund 0-0 Atletico (agg 1-2)

Oh no, Marcel Sabitzer, you have to score that.

Sabitzer has the ball on the penalty spot but for some reason takes a touch rather than smashing it into the net first time.

By waiting, his effort gets blocked. I can’t believe he didn’t just shoot!

Alvaro Morata then goes up the other end and sticks one wide, he had to do better as well!

Dortmund's Austrian midfielder #20 Marcel Sabitzer (L) misses an attempt to score during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on April 16, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona 0-0 PSG (agg 3-2)

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport, at the Olympic Stadium:

Mbappe playing centrally with a view to getting as far away from Kounde, who bossed him in the first leg, as possible. He wants to bully 17-year-old  Cubarsi.

Barcelona 0-0 PSG (agg 3-2)

Pau Cubarsi has already left one on Kylian Mbappe and the Barcelona fans enjoyed that.

The 17-year-old was brilliant last week, if he performs like that again, Barcelona will be well on their way to the semi-finals!

KICK-OFF!

We are underway in Spain and Germany.

Can PSG mount a comeback, or will Barcelona stand strong at home? Can Atletico hold on, or will Borussia Dortmund turn it around?

What a night we have in store!

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 General view as players from both teams walk out onto the pitch before the match REUTERS/Albert Gea
Dortmund fans wave flags prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on April 16, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Here come the teams

The Champions League music is on, it just sends tingles down your spine, although the Barcelona fans don’t seem to like it.

It’s just so much better than the Premier League anthem though…

It is very loud in both Signal Iduna Park and the Olympic Stadium, they know how much this means.

Which set of fans will be cheering come the end of the night.

Hostile atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium

It’s already been mentioned but the atmosphere is very hostile in Barcelona.

It’s going to be interesting to see how loud it is inside the ground when it gets going.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bagu Blanco/PRESSINPHOTO/Shutterstock (14438449m) FC Barcelona fans on the street outside Lluis Companys stadium before the match FC Barcelona v Paris Saint Germain PSG. UEFA Champions League match. Quarter-finals, second leg. Football, Lluis Companys Stadium, Madrid, Spain - 16 April 2024
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 16, 2024 General view of FC Barcelona players during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

Nelson Vivas: ‘We think it’s going to be tough’

Nelson Vivas, Atletico Madrid assistant coach, speaking to Movistar:

We think it’s going to be tough; intense, a hard-fought game, for at least 90 minutes with the possibility that there could even be extra time. But hopefully not, hopefully we can resolve it earlier. I’m confident in the team’s momentum and in its performance.

Kick-off closing in

Is everybody getting excited?

We are less than 15 minutes away from kick-off now, the teams have warmed up, the stadium is filling up, and it’s nearly go time.

This is when anticipation for the night goes through the roof.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Which two sides will progress?

Right, we’re nearing kick-off, so you know what that means – prediction time.

These two ties are so hard to call, but we want to hear what you think, which two sides will progress to the semi-finals?

I’ll start, I’ll go with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund…

Let us know your predictions in the comments.

Barcelona making despicable chants

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport, at the Olympic Stadium:

Six goals for Kylian Mbappe so far in this Champions League. Only Harry Kane with seven has scored more. Added spice tonight because Barcelona fans know he will almost certainly face them as a Real Madrid player next season. Plenty of chants against him and Real Madrid (the Clasico is Sunday) outside the ground. Despicable chants of ‘Die Vinicius’ too.

Can Pedri make an impact?

When the 21-year-old midfielder came on last week, he changed the match within minutes with a delightful lofted assist for Raphinha.

Barcelona’s maestro can be simply majestic and it is a huge boost for the side that he is back in the starting 11 tonight.

He will cause PSG a lot of problems.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Winter/Shutterstock (14424874mg) Pedri of Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona, UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, Parc des Princes, Paris, France - 10 Apr 2024

‘Yellow Wall’ ready and waiting

Wow, what a sight to behold.

It seems like all the fans of all the clubs involved tonight are doing all they can to pump up their teams.

It’s not often you see a stadium practically full this long before kick-off.

Dortmund fans cheer prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on April 16, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

PSG seeking comeback against the odds

‘La Remontada’, the night Barcelona created history by thrashing PSG 6-1. We all remember that night.

Well, PSG are seeking revenge and want their own version of that tonight, albeit less dramatic.

They look like they mean business, they believe. Do they have what it takes to turn the tie?

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Luis Enrique, Head Coach of Paris Saint-Germain, arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

‘Hostile pre-match atmosphere aimed at Dembele’

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport, at the Olympic Stadium:

Hostile pre-match atmosphere aimed at Ousmane Dembele. Few 100 dollar bills with ‘Judas’ and his face on them in circulation outside the stadium. The former Barcelona player always seems fairly oblivious to what is going on around him so let’s see if it affects him tonight.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Barcelona's supporters hold a banner depicting Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Ousmane Dembele and reading "We don't forget" as they arrive ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Paris SG at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on April 16, 2024. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Dembele back in Barcelona

It’s a big night for Ousmane Dembele.

The French winger returns to the home of his old club, although he never played at the Olympic Stadium, and he has a point to prove.

Dembele scored a magnificent goal last week against his former side, only his second of the season, and didn’t exactly play down his celebrations.

I think it annoyed the Barcelona fans quite a lot.

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 10: Ousmane Dembele (10) of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter finals first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on April 10, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

‘Not a happy hunting ground for the Spaniards’

To any Dortmund fans who are seeking out omens, here’s one for you. Atletico Madrid have faced German opposition away from home in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League on 10 previous occasions, yet only managed to win twice (D1, L7), according to Opta.

They have lost seven of the eight matches during Diego Simeone’s time in charge (W1), including the last four in a row. Not a happy hunting ground for the Spaniards, who are starting with a back five here this evening.

‘Barcelona’s biggest problem could be legs in midfield’

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport, at the Olympic Stadium:

PSG were far more dangerous last week when Bradley Barcola came on at half time for Marco Asensio. This time he starts. No surprises in the Barcelona line-up with Jules Kounde (right-back) and Ronald Araujo (right centre-back) sharing the job of stopping Mbappe.

Barcelona’s biggest problem could be legs in midfield if the game runs long. Pedri and De Jong are not long back from injury and with Sergio Roberto and Andreas Christensen both suspended there is not much more than Fermin Lopez on the bench for Xavi in midfield.

Maybe the boss should get his kit ready then…

PSG Team News – Hakimi RETURNS

Finally, there is more than just one change to a side.

Achraf Hakimi returns to the starting 11 after missing the first leg through suspension.

Bradley Barcola also comes in to replace Lee Kang-In, it’s a big night for him up top.

Barcelona Team News – Pedri IN

It’s a night for just a singular change.

Xavi also makes just one with Pedri coming in for the suspended Sergi Roberto.

Andreas Christensen, who scored the winner last week, also misses the match through suspension.

Atletico Team News – ONE Change

Only the one change for Atletico Madrid too.

Samuel Lino, who scored in the first leg, is suspended so is replaced by Mario Hermoso.

Memphis Depay doesn’t make it.

Dortmund Team News – ONE Change

Here we go then, the team news is in.

Borussia Dortmund make just the one change from the side that started the first leg as Felix Nmecha makes way for Julian Brandt.

There is some bad news though, first-leg goalscorer Sebastien Haller doesn’t make the bench after suffering an ankle injury.

‘The Yellow Wall is not to be messed with’

I was in Dortmund for the previous round when the tie hung in the balance against PSV Eindhoven and I came away bloviating to friends and family about how special the home atmosphere is. Atletico Madrid are better than PSV, no doubt, but being down by only one goal, Dortmund go into this one believing they have the upper hand. The Yellow Wall is not to be messed with… trust me.

Atmosphere is building in Dortmund

The fans are starting to flock in at Signal Iduna Park.

We know what noise the ‘yellow wall’ can make when it’s having its best day, it will need to be like that today.

I also spot a Jude Bellingham shirt in there, if only he was still a Dortmund player, they could do with a midfielder like him tonight.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock (14434932b) Fans of Borussia Dortmund seen prior the match Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid, UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final, Second Leg, Football, Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - 16 Apr 2024
DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 16: General view outside the stadium as fans arrive prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Haller’s unmatched UCL goal ratio

Sebastien Haller loves the Champions League.

I’m about to share a statistic that shocked me and will probably surprise all of you as well.

Haller’s 12 goals in just 13 appearances in the Champions League – 11 for Ajax and one for Dortmund – means he averages a goal every 72 minutes in the competition.

His minutes-per-goal rate is the best in the history of UEFA’s premier competition among anyone to have scored at least five times.

Dortmund's French forward #09 Sebastien Haller kicks the ball to scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on April 10, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Barca mean business

Barcelona have arrived at the stadium earlier than normal.

It’s a huge night for them, especially after how poorly they started the season.

If they manage to win tonight, they will look like one of the more likely sides to win the competition.

Tonight will not be easy, though!

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Xavi, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Mbappe’s magnificent away record

Kylian Mbappe may not have had his best game in the first leg but count him out at your own peril.

The French superstar loves an away day in Europe, especially in the knockout stages. He has scored 13 goals in 11 away games in the Champions League knockouts.

That record has only been bettered by two players, Cristiano Ronaldo with 23 in 39 matches and Karim Benzema with 14 in 34.

How PSG could do with him extending that record tonight.

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 10:   Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes on April 10, 2024 in Paris, France.(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

PSG fans arrive in numbers

It’s not only the Barcelona fans making noise.

The PSG supporters are making their way to the Olympic Stadium in numbers, and well, they are not doing it quietly.

Seeing the atmosphere like this already is making me extremely excited for tonight.

I can’t wait for it to get going!

Can Raphinha hurt PSG again?

Last week may have been Raphinha’s best performance in a Barcelona shirt.

The former Leeds winger ripped apart PSG at times and his second goal was simply special.

PSG will certainly be wary of him tonight, he could take the game away from them in an instant.

He looks ready for business.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Raphinha of FC Barcelona arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Edin Terzic: ‘We want to pay supporters back’

Edin Terzic, Borussia Dortmund boss, speaking on Monday:

We need a good result against Atletico and we’re pretty sure our supporters want to make that happen and create a good atmosphere. So, we want to pay them back.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Manager Edin Terzic of Borussia Dortmund speaks to the media during the Press Conference of the UEFA Champions League 2023/2024 quarter-finals second leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico de Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 15, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)

Diego Simeone: ‘We will have to suffer’

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager, speaking on Monday:

Now we’ll go to their stadium knowing that we’re going to find a strong team, a team with a lot of people who are going to take it to us, to attack. We will have to suffer and take advantage of the spaces.

Seeing these first elimination ties, in the four [quarter-final] matches, it’s not easy to win, so we’re happy to have won.

Atletico Madrid's Argentinian coach Diego Simeone addresses a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match against Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund, western Germany on April 15, 2024. (Photo by LEON KUEGELER / AFP) (Photo by LEON KUEGELER/AFP via Getty Images)

First leg: Atletico take slender lead to Dortmund

The Champions League really did serve us up some belters last week.

I’m once again feeling reminiscent, so let’s rewind to last week’s first leg between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Diego Simeone’s side could not have hoped for a better start, racing into a two-goal lead in the first-half thanks to Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino.

Their dominance didn’t last though and Dortmund came back strong in the second period, getting their reward when substitute Sebastian Haller halved the deficit with a fine finish.

The visitors then huffed and puffed in search of a late equaliser, but they couldn’t find it. They’ll be hoping that it comes early on tonight instead.

Once again, a tightly contested first leg means tonight could be tense.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 10: Players of Atletico Madrid celebrate after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter finals first leg football match between Atletico Madrid v Borussia at Dortmund Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 10, 2024. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Dortmund's Sebastien Haller, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Luis Enrique: ‘We are convinced we will turn the tie around’

Luis Enrique, PSG boss, speaking on Monday:

PSG have never come back to win after losing a first leg, but [Tuesday] is the day. After a defeat in such an important game, the days after the match were hard. It’s tricky to recover mentally, but the good thing about football is you have another game against the same opponent.

I thought we at least deserved a draw in the first match. We have to be better this time. We won’t hold back. That phrase does not exist for us, and we are convinced we will turn the tie around.

I think this game will be similar. I think there will be goals. The 3-2 scoreline means we have to go for the game.

RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (14436534f) Luis Enrique head coach of PSG during the press conference before the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 15, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Paris Saint-Germain Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2023/24, Barcelona, Spain - 15 Apr 2024

First leg: Barcelona come back to win in the French capital

What a game we were treated to last week!

It was a match that struggled to get going, but it burst into life in the second half, swinging one way and then the other.

PSG’s backline really struggled in the first half, especially Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, and his mistake allowed Raphinha to send Barcelona into the lead.

However, PSG came out in the second period like a team with a point to prove and overturned Barcelona’s half-time lead within five minutes of the second half.

At that point, it seemed like Xavi’s side looked down and out but after some smart substitutions and sheer determination, they turned it back around with Raphinha netting a second and Andres Christensen heading in the winner.

I hope they serve up another thriller tonight!

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
PSG's Kylian Mbappe gestures during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

Xavi: ‘It’s going to be a major football war’

Xavi, Barcelona boss, speaking on Monday:

It’s going to be a major football war. We are not a team that speculates; we will want to take the ball away from PSG and win the game. Hopefully, we’ll be at our best. They’re going to demand a lot from us.

I think it’s a good moment and I’m excited. We feel it already. We have to control our emotions, our temperament, it’s a game of heads or tails. We want to be in control with the ball, and we want to show the best side and personality of the team.

We need our fans to be loud because PSG will make us suffer, there’s no doubt about it, and we have to be a team to beat them. All of us, together.

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Head Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona faces the media during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions league Quarter Final 2nd leg match against Paris Saint Germain at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on April 15, 2024 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Can Dortmund turn it around?

While Atletico Madrid are ahead in the tie, it feels like they may have a tougher time holding onto their lead than Barcelona.

Diego Simeone’s side were comfortable with a 2-0 lead last week at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Sebastian Haller’s late strike changes things slightly.

Borussia Dortmund will feel that with their home crowd behind them, they can turn the tie around. When the yellow wall are on it, Signal Iduna Park becomes a cauldron of noise.

Both Dortmund and Atletico are desperate to reach their first semi-finals in 11 years and seven, respectfully.

This one is tough to call.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Lairys Laurent/ABACA/Shutterstock (14431238a) Koke of Atletico Madrid and Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League, Quarter-finals, 1st leg football match between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on April 10, 2024 at Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain. Champions League - Atletico Madrid V Dortmund, Spain - 10 Apr 2024

Barca in pole position

If tonight’s match between Barcelona and PSG is anything like last week, we are in for a treat.

Xavi’s side come into tonight with a slender one-goal lead after their comeback in Paris last week and are on a 13-match unbeaten streak since the Spaniard announced he was leaving the club in the summer.

The five-time winners last reached the semi-finals in 2018-19, where they met Liverpool – we all know what happened there – and look set to make the last four.

However, it’s not going to be easy. PSG showed their strength at times last week and still have the potent Kylian Mbappe, who surely won’t perform as poorly as he did last week.

I’m envisioning more goals in this tie, these two always serve up a cracker.

PSG's Lucas Hernandez, right, is challenged by Barcelona's Raphinha during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

UCL QF Part II: Battle recommences in Barcelona

Has it been a week already?

The road to London is really starting to heat up, it will be the end of the line for two teams in the Champions League tonight, but which ones.

Barcelona simply have to avoid defeat tonight to make their first Champions League semi-final in five years, their comeback win in Paris has them in a strong position to knock the French champions out.

The Catalonians are not the only Spanish side who have one foot in the semi-finals, Atletico Madrid travel to Borussia Dortmund with a one-goal advantage.

With both ties so tightly contested, it’s set to be another action-packed night of European football’s premier competition.

Strap yourselves in, it’s time to get going.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: A detailed view of a flare set off by fans of FC Barcelona to show their support on their way to the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 16: A detailed view of an Official UEFA Champions League Match Ball on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Key Updates

  • GOAL!!! Dortmund 2-1 Atletico (agg 3-3) (Hummels OG 49′)

  • HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3)

  • HALF-TIME: Dortmund 2-0 Atletico (agg 3-2)

  • GOAL!!! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (agg 4-3) (Dembele 39′)

  • GOAL!!! Dortmund 2-0 Atletico (agg 3-2) (Maatsen 39′)

  • GOAL!!! Dortmund 1-0 Atletico (agg 2-2) (Brandt 34′)

  • RED CARD! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2) (Araujo)

  • GOAL!!! Barcelona 1-0 PSG (agg 4-2) (Raphinha 13′)

  • Which two sides will progress?

  • PSG Team News – Hakimi RETURNS

  • Barcelona Team News – Pedri IN

  • Atletico Team News – ONE Change

  • Dortmund Team News – ONE Change

  • UCL QF Part II: Battle recommences in Barcelona

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