CAMP NOU — Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Wednesday night to all but secure a semifinal berth for the first time since 2019.
⚽ Scorers:
- Raphinha (25′)
- Robert Lewandowski (49′, 66′)
- Lamine Yamal (72′)
🔥 Key Highlights:
- Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace, reaching the 40-goal mark for the season and scoring his 99th goal for Barcelona. He’s now netted 29 goals in 28 matches against his former club Dortmund.
- Raphinha, now with 12 UCL goals, opened the scoring and later assisted Yamal’s goal, continuing his outstanding Champions League campaign.
- Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy, lit up the night with a dazzling performance and a deserved goal in the 72nd minute.
- Fermín Lopez, despite not scoring, was pivotal—providing two assists and hitting the post in an electrifying display.
🗣️ “We are confident, but not overconfident,” said Xavi post-match. “It’s only half the job done—we still have to perform in Dortmund.”
📊 Match Stats:
- Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak to 23 games across all competitions.
- They now lead the tie 4-0 on aggregate going into the second leg at Signal Iduna Park next Tuesday.
🎯 Tactical Brilliance:
- Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsí were solid at the back and contributed to the build-up that led to Raphinha’s opener.
- Barca dominated possession, pressed aggressively, and suffocated Dortmund’s midfield.
- Dortmund’s few chances fell to Serhou Guirassy, who failed to capitalize, missing two big opportunities before halftime.
🚨 Injury Concern:
- Yamal asked to be substituted late in the game, raising slight injury concerns. However, he appeared in good spirits and acknowledged fans with a smile as he exited—likely a precaution.
🏆 Quadruple Hopes Alive:
With La Liga leadership, a place in the Copa del Rey final, Spanish Super Cup already secured, and now a foot in the UCL semis, Barcelona’s quadruple dream remains very much alive.
