Daijiworld Media Network- Barcelona
Barcelona, Apr 10: FC Barcelona sent a strong message to their European rivals with a stunning 4-0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
Hansi Flick’s men delivered a near-flawless performance, dismantling the German side with an electric display of attacking football led by Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha — with midfield maestro Pedri orchestrating play brilliantly from the center.
Barca flew out of the blocks with teenage sensation Yamal testing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel early on, before Raphinha caused havoc down the flank. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Raphinha tapped in from close range after Pau Cubarsi redirected a header from Inigo Martinez. Although the goal underwent a VAR review, it was ultimately awarded — much to the relief of the home fans.
The Catalan giants nearly doubled their lead moments later, with Yamal again involved in a sharp counter-attack. Dortmund tried to respond, creating a few chances through Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy, but wasteful finishing proved costly.
Barcelona reasserted control early in the second half. Lewandowski made it 2-0 just three minutes after the restart, heading home after Raphinha flicked on a pinpoint cross from Yamal. The pressure mounted as Fermin Lopez — chosen over Gavi in the starting lineup — narrowly missed adding his name to the scoresheet.
Lewandowski grabbed his brace in the 65th minute, finishing clinically after Lopez pulled the ball back from the right flank following a swift counter.
The final blow came in the 76th minute, when Yamal capped off a dazzling performance by calmly slotting home a diagonal pass from Raphinha, making it 4-0 and virtually sealing Barcelona’s place in the semifinals.
The only concern on an otherwise perfect night was Yamal limping off with 10 minutes left. While the injury didn’t appear serious, Barca fans will await medical updates anxiously.
With a four-goal cushion heading into the second leg, Barcelona look firmly in control as they chase European glory once again.