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Borussia Dortmund open Champions League campaign against Barcelona

By Austin Weldon

Dortmund's Swiss coach Lucien Favre and Dortmund's German forward Marco Reus are pictured during a press conference in Dortmund, western Germany, on September 16, 2019 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. (Photo by SASCHA SCHUERMANN / AFP) (Photo credit should read SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Dortmund's Swiss coach Lucien Favre and Dortmund's German forward Marco Reus are pictured during a press conference in Dortmund, western Germany, on September 16, 2019 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. (Photo by SASCHA SCHUERMANN / AFP) (Photo credit should read SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund host Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona on Tuesday in the first match of the Champions League group stage.

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Borussia Dortmund

Last 5 games: WLWWW

Borussia Dortmund are fresh off a 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Although they did not have the majority of the possession, Dortmund made their chances count and we saw their lethal counter attack in action for the first time this season. The game against Barcelona could be very similar to the Leverkusen game as they are likely to out possess Dortmund who will need to make their opportunities on the counter count.

FC Barcelona

Last 5 games: WDWLW

Barcelona haven’t gotten off to the strongest of starts in La Liga, with injuries playing a big part. Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have all missed time already this season. Both Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie De Jong have joined the Catalan side this summer, making their starting XI even more formidable. Lionel Messi looks to be fit in time to play a part on Tuesday, Ousmane Dembele however will miss his return to the Westfalenstadion. Probably best for all parties.

Team News

Borussia Dortmund will be without Nico Schulz and Mateu Morey, while Lukasz Piszczek could also miss out despite returning to training on Monday. Barcelona are set to be without former Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele and World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti, but Lionel Messi looks set to start after recovering from his injury.

SEVILLIA, SPAIN – MAY 25: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona v Valencia at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Sevillia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
SEVILLIA, SPAIN – MAY 25: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona v Valencia at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Sevillia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Opposition star man: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi will be making his return in some fashion and will play in the Westfalenstadion for the first time in his career. Yet to play a minute yet this season, Messi will be eager to get his season started against Dortmund. While seeing Messi play in Dortmund would be great, ideally he is coming in from the bench instead of starting giving him a bit less time to make his inevitable impact. Simply the best in the world, everyone is excited to see Messi play his first game against Dortmund.

SPAIN – JANUARY 08: FUSSBALL: SUPER CUP 97/98 FC BARCELONA – BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2:0 FINALE Hinspiel 08.01.98, Luis ENRIQUE/Joerg HEINRICH (Photo by Tobias Heyer/Bongarts/Getty Images)
SPAIN – JANUARY 08: FUSSBALL: SUPER CUP 97/98 FC BARCELONA – BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2:0 FINALE Hinspiel 08.01.98, Luis ENRIQUE/Joerg HEINRICH (Photo by Tobias Heyer/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Previous match: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Barcelona

The last fixture between these two sides took place all the way back in 1998 when Barcelona triumphed over Borussia Dortmund in a two legged UEFA Super Cup tie. The Catalans won the first leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Luis Enrique and Rivaldo. The second leg took place at the Westfalenstadion and ended up being a 1-1 draw, with Jörg Heinrich cancelling out Giovanni’s early goal.

Next. Borussia Dortmund's greatest Champions League moments. dark

Expected Lineup

Borussia Dortmund: Burki – Hakimi, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro – Witsel, Delaney – Sancho, Reus, Hazard – Alcacer

Barcelona: Ter Stegen – Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba – Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic – Griezmann, Suarez, Messi

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