Barcelona Dominates Dortmund, Eyes Champions League Semifinal Spot

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona showcased an impressive performance at Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal propelled Barça to the brink of their first semifinal since 2019 as they prepare for a decisive second leg in Dortmund next week.

The Catalan club’s offensive prowess was on full display, as each member of their formidable front three contributed goals to the commanding victory. This result positions them favorably ahead of next Tuesday’s rematch, where they are expected to solidify their place in the final four.

Coach Hansi Flick praised the team’s tenacity, stating, “It’s not finished at 2-0 or 3-0. They go to the end of the match. This is what I love and what we like to play.” His comments reflect a culture of relentless pursuit of victory that has defined Barça throughout their unbeaten streak that now stands at 23 games across all competitions.

Lewandowski struck twice during the match, bringing his season total to 40 goals and 99 goals for Barcelona since joining at the age of 36. Known for his lethal finishing, he scored the second goal with a header and completed the tally with a low shot following a setup from Yamal, both celebrations reflecting his history with Dortmund, where he played from 2010 to 2014.

In addition to Lewandowski’s performance, Raphinha emerged as a standout player this season, leading the Champions League with 12 goals, while Yamal, at just 17, became the first player to score multiple goals in knockout rounds of the Champions League before turning 18. Raphinha expressed relief after scoring his first goal, saying, “I was worried about being offside; it’s good that it was given.”

Throughout the match, Barça demonstrated an aggressive attack, which has become a hallmark of their gameplay under Flick. They have scored 36 goals in 11 Champions League matches this season, averaging over three goals per game, a statistic that emphasizes their offensive dominance in Europe.

Despite their efforts, Dortmund had several missed chances that might have changed the game’s outcome. Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko squandered a hat trick of opportunities that could have shifted momentum. However, Barça’s defense held firm, preventing any late consolation goals.

Consequently, as Barça prepares for the second leg in Dortmund, there is increasing speculation about a potential treble. The team is already set for the final on April 26 and leads La Liga by four points with eight matches remaining. “If you say another team is going to win, why step onto the pitch? We aim to win the treble,” Yamal remarked confidently.