Barcelona UCL 2024–25 Timeline – Blaugrana’s Road to Champions League Semi-Final

Inside Barcelona’s Champions League Journey: Comebacks, Teen Talent, and Tactical Brilliance.

FC Barcelona’s 2024–25 UEFA Champions League campaign has been a revelation for their own fans and others alike. In a roller coaster of resilience, tactical evolution, and standout performances, they’ve managed to reach the semi-final.

Under Hansi Flick, the team has blended experience with emerging talent to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From a dramatic group stage to overcoming formidable opponents in the knockout rounds, Barcelona’s journey reflects their determination to reclaim European glory.

An unstoppable header! 🤩#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ne2s9Em9Gd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025

League Phase: A Mix of Challenges and Comebacks

Barcelona’s group stage was marked by both challenges and remarkable comebacks. The campaign began with a surprising 2–1 defeat to Monaco. Lamine Yamal’s equalizer in that match was overshadowed by George Ilenikhena’s late winner.

Barcelona bounced back stronger with a commanding 5–0 win over Young Boys in the second match. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, Raphinha and Inigo Martínez added one each, and an own goal by Mohamed Camara capped the performance.

Their momentum grew as Barcelona crushed Bayern Munich 4–1, with Raphinha netting a stunning hat-trick and Lewandowski scoring the fourth.

They continued their scoring spree with a 2–5 win against Crvena Zvezda. Lewandowski scored a brace again, while Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, and Martinez also found the net.

Also Read: How Many Times Has FC Barcelona Won the Champions League? Find Out the Spanish Club’s History at the European Stages

Barcelona then beat Stade Brest 3–0. It was a historic night for Lewandowski as he became the third player in history to reach 100 UEFA Champions League goals scoring another brace. Olmo added the third goal to seal the win.

Against Borussia Dortmund, Raphinha struck early and Ferran Torres scored twice to secure a tight 2–3 win in a high-intensity encounter.

The drama peaked in a thrilling 4–5 win over Benfica. They were trailing 3–1 at halftime, when Barcelona surged back with goals from Lewandowski, Raphinha, and a late stoppage-time winner from the Brazilian winger.

The group stage concluded with a 2–2 draw against Atalanta. Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo ensured that Barcelona finished second in the League Phase, just behind Liverpool. Thus, ensuring qualification to the Round of 16.

Round of 16: Overcoming Adversity Against Benfica

In the quarter-final, they drew Benfica. In the first leg, Barcelona suffered an early setback when Pau Cubarsí received a red card in the 22nd minute. Even though they were a man down, Raphinha capitalized on a defensive error to score the lone goal. Thus, sealing a vital 0–1 away win.

Also Read: How Many UEFA Champions League Finals Has FC Barcelona Been To?

In the second leg, Barcelona displayed dominance at home. Raphinha struck twice, and Lamine Yamal added a third to earn a 3–1 win in this particular leg. Thus, they completed a 4–1 aggregate win that booked their quarter-final spot.

Quarter-Final: Tactical Mastery Against Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona faced a strong Borussia Dortmund side in the quarter-finals but they once again rose to the occasion. They were absolutely dominating in the first leg as they pulled up a 4-0 win at home.

In the return leg though, Barcelona’s form dipped and they lost 3-1 to Dortmund on the road. It was their first defeat since the turn of the year. Even so, the big-margin first leg win helped them secure a 3–5 aggregate win across two legs.

This result saw them progress to the semi-final. It also marked their first UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance since 2019. This has especially been a significant milestone in their European resurgence with a very young squad under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona

Benfica

Borussia Dortmund

Champions League

Inter Milan

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.