FC Barcelona Dominates Borussia Dortmund in Champions League Quarter-Final

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona delivered an impressive 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 9, 2025, at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The Catalans showcased their offensive strength with goals from Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, positioning themselves favorably ahead of the return leg.

In the 25th minute, Raphinha opened the scoring by capitalizing on a deflection from Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, marking his twelfth goal of the season in the Champions League. The Brazilian forward’s performance drew comparisons to Barcelona legends like Lionel Messi, who once netted 19 goals in a single Champions League season.

Lewandowski quickly followed with a brace shortly after halftime. The Polish striker scored his first goal in the 47th minute, heading in a cross from Lamine Yamal. Just twenty minutes later, he showcased his finishing skills with a precise shot that found the back of the net, extending his tally to ten goals in this season’s tournament. Lamine Yamal capped off the scoring in the 77th minute, finishing a well-placed pass from Raphinha.

This match highlighted Barcelona’s dominance over Dortmund, as they remain unbeaten against the German side in their last five meetings. Under coach Hansi Flick, the team has maintained a perfect record against Dortmund, winning all six matches and averaging three goals per game.

Dortmund’s struggles in Spain continued, with only three wins from their last 20 away matches in knockout competitions. Niko Kovac‘s squad had not secured a victory on Spanish soil against a top opponent since defeating Sevilla in February 2021.

Barcelona’s attacking prowess was on full display, with the team averaging 3.2 goals per match in the Champions League this season. Raphinha’s goal and assist, along with Lewandowski’s brace, were crucial in cementing their lead. Meanwhile, Dortmund’s young forward Jamie Gittens, who has gained recognition for scoring four goals in the tournament, found himself unable to make a significant impact against a relentless Barcelona defense.

Defensively, Barcelona maintained solid organization, limiting Dortmund’s chances, despite moments of pressure that included a disallowed goal. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made key saves to preserve a clean sheet, easing concerns about their defensive lapses.

The match environment at Montjuïc was electric, with 49,760 fans creating a supportive atmosphere for the home squad. The crowd witnessed a brilliant tactical performance as Barcelona executed their game plan effortlessly.

Post-match, Flick expressed his satisfaction with the performance but emphasized the need to remain focused for the upcoming second leg at Signal Iduna Park on April 15, 2025. “We played exceptionally well tonight, but we know the job isn’t done yet. We must remain disciplined and focused for the second leg,” Flick said.

Dortmund’s coach Kovac will be tasked with motivating his team to overcome a substantial four-goal deficit ahead of their home game, a challenging endeavor in European football. Historically, teams trailing by four goals in Champions League ties have found it nearly impossible to recover.

Barcelona’s commanding victory positions them strongly to advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. With their combination of attacking talent and strong defense, they are poised for a deep run in this year’s competition.