Barcelona 4 – 0 Borussia Dortmund
In a one-sided match, Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, while Rafinha and Lamine Yamal also found the net.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač’s warning about Barcelona’s attacking prowess proved ineffective. Three of Barcelona’s attacking stars found the back of the net, as they cruised to a dominant 4-0 win, taking a significant step towards the semi-finals under coach Hansi Flick.
In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Barcelona triumphed 4-0 at home on Wednesday night. Lewandowski scored twice, while Rafinha and Yamal added their names to the scoresheet.
The two teams had previously met in the group stages, with Barcelona edging out Dortmund 3-2. However, this time, Barcelona showed no mercy.
In the 5th minute, Barcelona created the first big chance. Lamine Yamal’s curling shot from the right was saved spectacularly by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
A minute later, Yamal again showed his skill but missed the target from a tight angle.
In the 7th minute, Lewandowski almost scored after receiving a cutback from Rafinha, but Kobel denied him with a corner kick save.
Barcelona maintained pressure, creating three excellent chances in the first seven minutes.
In the 25th minute, Barcelona took the lead. A free kick from Inigo Martinez was met by Pau Kubersi’s header, which Kobel saved, but Rafinha reacted quickly to touch the ball into the net. Initially, it wasn’t clear who scored, but replays showed that Rafinha had nudged the ball over the line.
It was Rafinha’s 12th goal of the season.
In the 34th minute, Rafinha had a chance to double the lead but couldn’t capitalize, while Dortmund had a golden opportunity to equalize just two minutes later. Ségu Gégasi missed a close-range shot, and Barcelona escaped unscathed.
Lewandowski attempted a bicycle kick in the 40th minute, but Kobel saved. On the counter, Jamie Gittens’ shot was blocked by Barcelona keeper Voychekh Stanssini.
In added time, Gégasi rattled the side netting with a powerful shot.
Barcelona increased their lead early in the second half. Yamal delivered a perfect cross for Lewandowski, who headed in from just below the crossbar.
Rafinha showed unselfishness on this goal, passing rather than shooting himself, finding Lewandowski in a better position.
After conceding two goals, Dortmund became more defensive, while Barcelona created several more chances. In a four-minute span, they created four big opportunities, with one resulting in a goal.
In the 63rd minute, Fermín López’s powerful shot hit the post. A minute later, Lewandowski’s shot was saved by Kobel.
In the 65th minute, Lewandowski completed his brace with a quick shot after receiving the ball from López. Despite Kobel’s best efforts, he couldn’t prevent the goal.
Lewandowski’s goal was his 11th of the season and his 29th against Dortmund in all competitions, over 28 matches.
Dortmund shifted to more aggressive play, but Barcelona remained solid in defense.
In the 77th minute, Barcelona extended their lead with another counter-attack. Rafinha fed the ball to Yamal, who finished coolly by the post.
After this goal, coach Flick substituted three players, including Lewandowski, who had been hoping for a hat-trick but didn’t get the chance. He ended the match with 99 goals for Barcelona, just short of his 100th.
In the 89th minute, Dortmund scored, but it was ruled offside, leaving the team disappointed.
The return leg will take place next Tuesday at Dortmund’s stadium.
