Barcelona Crush Dortmund in Champions League First Leg \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Barcelona took a major step toward the Champions League semifinals with a 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, powered by standout performances from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Lewandowski netted twice, while Raphinha added a goal and assist. Lamine Yamal also found the net, giving Barca a strong lead ahead of the return leg.
Quick Looks
- Barcelona defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
- Robert Lewandowski scored twice, bringing his UCL tally this season to 11.
- Raphinha added a goal and an assist, his 12th goal in this UCL campaign.
- Lamine Yamal also scored, sealing a dominant win for Barca.
- Lewandowski now has 14 UCL goals after age 35, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo.
- The return leg will be played next Tuesday in Dortmund.
- Dortmund were runners-up last season, falling to Real Madrid in the final.
- Barcelona are eyeing their first semifinal appearance since 2019.
Deep Look
Barcelona took a massive step toward a long-awaited UEFA Champions League semifinal return on Wednesday night, dismantling Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Inspired performances by Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha not only lifted Barcelona to a statement victory but also signaled that the Catalan club may finally be ready to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite after years of rebuilding and disappointment.
Coming into the match, Barcelona had not reached the Champions League semifinals since 2019, a span during which the club endured painful exits and internal turmoil. But against last season’s Champions League finalists, they delivered a clinical, composed, and ruthless performance that showcased a team hitting its stride at the right time.
The stars of the night were undeniably Lewandowski and Raphinha. The 36-year-old Polish striker scored twice, while Raphinha tallied a goal and an assist, continuing their incredible run of form in Europe.
Raphinha’s Champions League Breakout
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slide the ball into an open net. It marked his 12th goal of the Champions League campaign, extending his lead at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart. The Brazilian winger has now scored in four consecutive Champions League knockout matches, contributing seven goals in that stretch and emerging as one of the tournament’s most decisive offensive weapons.
In the second half, Raphinha turned provider, slipping a precise pass to Lewandowski in the 48th minute, allowing the veteran forward to bury a low strike to double the lead. His dual-threat performance once again highlighted the value he brings to Barcelona’s attacking trio, combining pace, technique, and vision.
Lewandowski: Aging Gracefully, Scoring Relentlessly
If there were any doubts about Robert Lewandowski’s ability to perform at the highest level beyond age 35, they were firmly laid to rest in this fixture. With his two goals against Dortmund, Lewandowski brought his Champions League total this season to 11, and pushed his career tally in the competition to 105 goals. Remarkably, 14 of those goals have come after turning 35, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo for the most post-35 goals in the history of the Champions League.
His second goal, a powerful one-timer in the 66th minute, was vintage Lewandowski — clever positioning, flawless timing, and deadly accuracy. With 25 goals already in La Liga, the Polish striker now has 40 goals across all competitions this season, continuing to lead both statistically and through his commanding presence on the pitch.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue was the fact that Lewandowski was facing his former club. Between 2011 and 2014, he scored 17 Champions League goals for Borussia Dortmund, leading them to the 2013 final. On Wednesday, however, his contributions ensured Dortmund suffered one of their most lopsided European defeats in recent memory.
Lamine Yamal: A Star in the Making
At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal continues to write his own story in elite football. The teenage winger added Barcelona’s fourth and final goal in the 77th minute, finding the bottom corner with a cool finish after a clever one-two with Pedri. The goal underscored the confidence and maturity Yamal brings to big moments — a rare trait for a player his age.
Yamal’s rise has been one of the bright lights in Barcelona’s season, and with every passing game, he looks more like a cornerstone for the club’s future.
Tactical Control and Total Domination
Barcelona didn’t just win — they controlled every aspect of the game. From the opening whistle, Xavi’s side pressed high, suffocated Dortmund’s midfield, and pinned the German side deep into their own half. The midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündoğan, and Pedri provided fluidity and composure, while defenders like Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé ensured Dortmund’s few counter-attacks were snuffed out quickly.
Dortmund, despite their pedigree and attacking talent, never settled. They were stifled in possession, overrun in transitions, and looked second-best in every duel. For a side that reached last season’s final before falling to Real Madrid, this match was a harsh reminder of the fine margins and elite standards in Champions League knockout football.
Cautious Confidence from Barcelona
Despite the emphatic win, Lewandowski urged caution after the match:
“We played very well but we can’t be thinking about the semifinals yet. We scored four goals at home but we still have the return leg to play.”
It’s a prudent stance, especially considering the electric atmosphere waiting at Signal Iduna Park next Tuesday. However, with a four-goal cushion, Barcelona would need a dramatic collapse to miss out on a place in the final four.
Elsewhere in the Quarterfinals
In another quarterfinal fixture on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 3-1, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring a spectacular solo goal that overshadowed a brilliant curling effort by teammate Désiré Doué. The result keeps PSG in a commanding position ahead of the second leg, continuing the narrative of shifting power dynamics in European football.
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