Lamine Yamal is only human: A quiet night in Dortmund doesn't overshadow Barça's qualification

Written by Andrés Arencibia Almeida

FC Barcelona reaches a Champions League semi-final after a six-year absence, despite a 3-1 defeat in Germany. The aggregate score of 5-3 against Borussia Dortmund highlights the Blaugranas' resilience but also offers some warnings for the future, especially for one of the competition's youngest squads.

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Notable first point: for the first time in 2025, Barça concedes an official defeat. And paradoxically, it's one of the sweetest setbacks in the club's recent memory. It must be said that Borussia Dortmund put up a tough fight. Few expected such a reaction from a club currently 8th in the Bundesliga.

It was also a confusing night for Barça, at times unrecognizable on the pitch. Lamine Yamal, one of the club's gems, experienced his dullest European night. At only 17, he is destined for an exceptional future, and no one doubts his talent, but this Tuesday, he missed his match at Signal Iduna Park.

The numbers speak for themselves. The player, son of a Moroccan father and an Equatoguinean mother, covered only 8 kilometers in 72 minutes — the lowest total in the team, even lower than several opponents — and never managed to ignite his usual spark. He ran just 1.3 kilometers more than Gregor Kobel, Borussia's goalkeeper.

Nevertheless, sources close to the club told Foot Africa there is no concern. "It's just one match," they say. And it's true: Yamal still boasts an impressive record in the Champions League this season: 4 goals, 3 assists, and decisive performances. He had scored and assisted in the first leg. His potential remains immense, as does his early maturity.

A serious warning despite qualification: the Champions League doesn't forgive

This second leg reminded of an undeniable truth: the Champions League punishes any form of complacency. Driven by the pride and talent of Serhou Guirassy — who scored a hat-trick — Borussia Dortmund put Barça in great difficulty.

Robert Lewandowski, still booed in Germany, remained invisible. The team only managed two shots on target throughout the match. The only Blaugrana goal came from an own goal by Ramy Bensebaini in the 54th minute, cooling down a fiery stadium.

In Barcelona, this 3-1 is seen less as a mistake and more as a wake-up call. Flick and his men will need to learn their lessons if they want to go further. The ghosts of Rome, Anfield, or Lisbon still linger in memories.

But this Barça is different. It is back among Europe's top four clubs, with a young, competitive squad still under construction. This semi-final appearance marks a turning point for the Laporta project, say Catalan observers.

No time to savor. La Liga resumes with a four-point lead to defend. And at the end of April, the Champions League semi-finals. The opponent will be either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. Barça is back. And this time, they're hungry. Hungry for their sixth Big Ears Cup.

Rafik Zoghlami |

Editor in Chieffr, ar, en

Rafik Zoghlami is the Editor-in-Chief of Foot-Africa.com, with over 13 years of experience creating and managing sports content.