Dortmund to test under pressure Valverde in epic

Arguably the most eye-catching fixture of the evening takes place tonight at Signal Iduna Park between Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund and La Liga champions and 2018/19 Champions League semi-finalists, Barcelona. The Catalan giants have endured a slow start to the season sitting fifth after four games, with their attempts to sign Neymar at the eleventh hour having fallen on deaf ears as to Lionel Messi’s public disappointment. Lucien Favre’s Dortmund are a thoroughly entertaining side from a neutral perspective having seen over 3.5 goals scored in all four of their Bundesliga outings so far this season.

Recent statistics

BVB’s attacking contingent has been in fine form of late still spearheaded by the evergreen Marco Reus, together producing three second half goals in their opening three league victories. There has not been a bout between these two European giants since the 1998 Super Cup Final where Barcelona were the winners 3-1 on aggregate with it a two-legged affair in those days. Ernesto Valverde’s last Champions League outing was the horror 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the semi-final second leg and combined with Dortmund’s run of their last four home Champions League wins coming by a margin of three or more goals, could spell danger for the La Liga champions who have some defensive frailties yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign.

Barca’s inadequacies

Ernesto Valverde is under intense pressure despite having won La Liga in both of his two seasons at the helm. Having let big leads slip at the hands of Roma and Liverpool in the last his last two Champions League campaigns it feels as if it is success or bust for him this time around. He has bolstered the attack with the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid although still without long-term absentee, Samuel Umtiti, FCB look more fragile than ever at the back. They have conceded seven goals in their opening four matches with an ageing Gerard Pique and unconvincing Clement Lenglet shipping two goals to the likes of Osasuna, not standing them in good stead for the challenge and muscle at Favre’s disposal. Former Barca man Paco Alcacer, Reus himself and Jadon Sancho fresh off his first international goals for England will spell blood and are sure to cause problems all night.

Lionel Messi

It is clear the Argentinian magician has set his sights on regaining the Champions League for some years now and at 32 may be managing himself to perform best in this competition. He is yet to feature for Barcelona this season but is in the squad for tonight’s match and can transform his side’s fortunes should he be heavily involved.

This could be an absolute thriller, expect plenty of goals with Dortmund going for the jugular in front of their outstanding home support.

Borussia Dortmund – Barcelona Betting Tip

Double Chance Borussia Dortmund to Win or Draw + Over 2.5 goals with Bethard at odds of 139/100.

Bet Double Chance Borussia Dortmund to Win or Draw + Over 2.5 goals on Bethard