Champions League: Borussia and Barca Faring Well in New Format

Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona

As I prepared to write this preview, I had to do something I’d not bothered doing until now – look at the current Champions League standings, a hotchpotch of a table comprising no fewer than 36 teams. 

For anyone who has read this SBOTOP writer’s regular musings will know his views on the tournament’s new eight match format: it is diluting the quality of the football, further congesting the calendar and leading to more injuries to top players.

The warnings were there from the outset and the evidence backs up that view. 

Alas, the governing’s body’s claim that it will “improve competitive balance and sporting interest and in the process increase the number of meaningful matches – matches with something at stake for both sides – throughout the competition” can be dismissed on a number of levels. 

Anyway, it is the format that has been chosen/foisted upon clubs and so we head to Germany for the next supposed tranche of Champions League 2024 highlights. 

 

Talking Points  

To date, both teams are in a good position in this tournament with four wins from five games. 

And given the new schedule increases the chances of the super powers qualifying for the knockout stages – in theory, sides could lose three times in the group stages and still make it – means this is not a must-win for either team. 

They will still want to triumph, of course, and, while their respective cohorts of 2024 may lack some of the class of their previous incarnations, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona can beat anyone on their day. 

Just over a week ago, Dortmund showed they can still turn it on and came within a few minutes of defeating arch rivals Bayern Munich (even if they continue to drop points domestically which makes a title challenge impossible). 

Their big plus in recent weeks has been the emergence of the latest Englishman to come through the ranks at the club. 

Step forward Jamie Gittens who is following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. 

Gittens is a player that gets fans off their seats and has managed to bring joy to the Signal Iduna Park even during difficult times. Last season, he was a bright spark in a Bundesliga campaign that ultimately fell short of expectations given how close the Black-Yellows came to the title in 2022/23. His performances in the closing stages of last term also provided enough evidence for him to be given more opportunities this term, and he’s certainly made the most of them! 

While Dortmund attempt to punch above their weight, the expectation on Barcelona is altogether higher.

They are very much in the title race, even if they have dropped off a little after a blistering start to the campaign. 

They currently hold a two point lead in La Liga over reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid (who have a game in hand). 

It should be more but they conceded a stoppage time equaliser at Real Betis on Saturday. 

The Catalans, spearheaded by one-time Dortmund favourite Robert Lewandowski, should have too much for the hosts but a tie in front of the iconic yellow wall, home to 25,000 noisy and colourful Dortmund fans, can be a great leveller.

 

History 

For two clubs with such pedigree, it may surprise you to learn these sides have only met four times competitively. 

In 1997 they faced each other in the two-legged UEFA Super Cup when Dortmund were European champions and Barca had lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup under the tutelage of the late Sir Bobby Robson. 

Barcelona were too strong over two legs, winning the first leg at home 2-0, thanks to goals from Luis Enrique and a Rivaldo penalty. 

They also took the lead in the second leg in Germany through Giovanni. 

While Jorg Heinrich equalised on the night, Barca held on for a 3-1 aggregate success. 

Their other meetings came in the group stages in the 2019-20 competition. 

In Germany, the sides played out a goalless draw when there were few attacking fireworks on display in the Signal Iduna Park. Barcelona only escaped with a point that night courtesy of Marc-André ter Stegen’s penalty save from Marco Reus.

The return went the way of the Catalans who were 3-1 victors, thanks to goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann before Sancho netted a fine consolation.

 

Betting Tip  

The Champions League 2024 betting odds edge towards the Catalans who are priced 1X2 @ 2.16 compared to the hosts @ 2.83. 

They also have a slight advantage with Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.16, in contrast to the Bundesliga outfit +0.25 @ 1.98. 

For two teams who like to attack, an attractive option is total goal 4- 6 @ 2.48 2-3 @ 2.20 or even over 3.25 goals @ 2.02, while a low scoring affair is on offer @ 4.86 with total goal 0-1. 

A repeat of their most recent meeting is available @ 15.00 with Correct Score 1-3, which is less likely than a re-run of the last time they met in Germany. The odds on that of Correct Score 0-0 are on offer @ 20.00. 

I do think there will be goals but I also feel it will be honours even.

   

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