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E-mail Xinhua, December 12, 2024
Ferran Torres scored twice as Barcelona overcame Borussia Dortmund 3-2 away from home in the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
In the 18th minute, Dortmund almost broke the deadlock, only for Marcel Sabitzer to shoot over from eight meters.
Barcelona looked more threatening in front of goal, with Lamina Yamal forcing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make a fine save in the 21st minute.
Julian Ryerson (L) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Alejandro Balde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona in Dortmund, Germany, Dec. 11, 2024. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
After a goalless first half, Dortmund saw Serhou Guirassy's goal disallowed for offside.
The visitor broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half when Dani Olmo found Raphinha, who raced into the box before beating Kobel inside the far post.
The lead didn't last long as Pau Cubarsi fouled Guirassy in the area. Guirassy stepped up and converted the resulting penalty on the hour.
Barcelona took the lead again in the 75th minute when Kobel parried Fermin Lopez's volley into the path of Torres, who slotted home four minutes after subbing in.
But the joy of Hansi Flick's side was short-lived as Pascal Gross' square pass allowed Guirassy to tap into an empty net in the 78th minute.
Barcelona had the last laugh, as Gross' misplaced pass sparked a counterattack and Yamal's through ball found Torres to fire past Kobel from a tight angle.
"The third goal is very bitter for us. We played well, but unfortunately, we lost in the end. We have to learn from this and move on," said Dortmund captain Emre Can.
"We stayed focused and kept our composure to get the three points. Dortmund always pushed us to the limit, but we also had chances to score more goals," Olmo noted.
The result saw Dortmund drop to ninth in the standings, while Barcelona moved up to second with its fifth win of the campaign.
Elsewhere, Stuttgart came from behind to beat Young Boys 5-1, thanks to goals from Angelo Stiller, Enzo Millot, Chris Fuhrich, Josha Vagnoman and Yannik Keitel.
Stuttgart's second win lifted it to 26th, while Young Boys suffered its sixth successive defeat.
