Barcelona delivered a masterclass at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie. A devastating attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal combined for all four goals, leaving the Catalan giants on the brink of their first semifinal appearance since 2019.
The result underscores Barcelona’s relentless form under Hansi Flick, who has now guided the team to a 23-match unbeaten streak in 2025 (19 wins, 4 draws).
For Dortmund, the defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread, with a mountain to climb in next week’s return leg at Signal Iduna Park.
Barcelona’s early dominance paid off when a Fermín López free-kick found Iñigo Martínez, whose header was flicked goalward by 18-year-old Pau Cubarsí. Raphinha, displaying opportunistic instincts, tapped the ball over the line from point-blank range, controversially denying Cubarsí his first Champions League goal. VAR confirmed the strike, igniting debates about “goal theft” but solidifying Barcelona’s control.
Just three minutes into the second half, Yamal delivered a pinpoint cross to Raphinha, who headed it back across goal for Lewandowski to nod in from close range. The Polish striker, who spent three prolific years at Dortmund (2011–2014), celebrated his 99th goal for Barcelona with characteristic composure.A sweeping counterattack saw Yamal release Fermín López down the right. The midfielder squared the ball to Lewandowski, who fired a clinical finish past Gregor Kobel. The goal marked Lewandowski’s 40th of the season across all competitions, reinforcing his status as Europe’s most lethal striker aged 36.
Raphinha turned provider again, threading a through ball to Yamal, who coolly poked it past Kobel. At 17 years and 270 days, Yamal became the second-youngest scorer in Champions League quarterfinal history, trailing only Barcelona legend Bojan Krkić.
Lewandowski (2 goals), Raphinha (1 goal, 2 assists), and Yamal (1 goal, 1 assist) combined for 82 goals this season, showcasing a telepathic understanding. Raphinha’s 19 goal contributions in this UCL campaign (12 goals, 7 assists) broke Ronaldinho’s single-season record for Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri dictated play, while Fermín López’s energy disrupted Dortmund’s rhythm. The hosts outshot Dortmund 18–13 and dominated possession (60%).
Missing key defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Marcel Sabitzer, Dortmund’s backline crumbled under pressure. Serhou Guirassy squandered two golden chances, emblematic of their inefficiency.
“We’re not through yet. Football is madness, and we must stay focused. Our front three were exceptional, but the defense and substitutes also deserve credit.” Flick emphasized the need for caution ahead of the second leg.
“We’ve taken a big step, but there’s another 90 minutes. The team’s unity makes everything easier.” Lewandowsky also reflected on his 99 Barcelona goals, calling it a “collective achievement”
“Defeats like this hurt, but we must learn. We lacked cohesion and made costly errors. Bayern awaits us next, and we must improve defensively.” Kovač acknowledged the uphill battle but vowed to fight in the second leg.
“We were too soft. At this level, mistakes are punished harshly. We’ll need a miracle at home, but football is unpredictable” remarked Emre Can the Dortmund captain.
The Blaugrana are heavy favorites to advance, needing only to avoid a historic collapse. Their treble ambitions (La Liga, Copa del Rey, UCL) remain alive, with a four-point league lead and a cup final looming.
The German side must overturn a four-goal deficit without conceding—a feat never achieved in UCL history. Injuries and fatigue further complicate their task, especially with a Klassiker against Bayern Munich just three days before the second leg.
Barcelona’s victory was a statement of intent. Lewandowski’s ageless prowess, Yamal’s precocious talent, and Raphinha’s creativity have reignited hopes of a first UCL title since 2015. For Dortmund, the match exposed systemic issues—squad depth, defensive fragility—that must be addressed in the offseason.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, Barcelona’s focus shifts to managing rotations, while Dortmund cling to the faint hope of a “Miracle at Signal Iduna Park.” One thing is certain: Hansi Flick’s side has sent a chilling warning to Europe’s elite.
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