In a stunning display of football, Barcelona secured a decisive 4-0 victory against Dortmund, positioning themselves with one foot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League ahead of the return leg in Germany next week. Prior to the match, Dortmund’s manager, Hansi Flick, emphasized the need for his team to perform well at Montjuic and carry a strong result into the second leg. His players delivered exactly that, showcasing their capabilities on the European stage.
Goals from Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal have positioned Barca firmly in the driver’s seat to advance, potentially setting up a thrilling matchup against either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. The victory was so comprehensive that there was even an opportunity for Ansu Fati to make his long-awaited return from injury, bringing a smile to fans and teammates alike. With such a commanding performance, Barcelona now only needs to maintain their form in the second leg in Germany.
Raphinha entered the match under scrutiny following a frustrating weekend draw against Betis, but he managed to channel his focus into a stellar performance. The Brazilian star not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, showcasing his significant impact on the game. This performance brings his total to 19 goal involvements in the Champions League this season, matching the illustrious record set by Lionel Messi.
The opening goal was credited to Raphinha, although it could have easily been attributed to Pau Cubarsi, whose flick from an Inigo Martinez header was on target before Raphinha ensured it crossed the line. The palpable relief when VAR confirmed Raphinha was onside was a testament to the tension of the match. He later assisted Barcelona’s second goal with an impressive play, setting up Lewandowski for a close-range header. To cap off his night, Raphinha provided another assist, delivering a perfectly weighted ball for Yamal to finish off Dortmund, underscoring the potency of Barcelona's attack.
Facing his former club once again, Robert Lewandowski added to his remarkable record against Dortmund, scoring his 29th goal in 28 career appearances against them. This performance marks a significant milestone as he approaches his 100th goal for Barcelona, a feat he is likely to achieve sooner rather than later. His consistent scoring against Dortmund has cemented his status as a nightmare for the German side.
Additionally, Hansi Flick has maintained an impeccable record against Dortmund, having won every match against them as a manager. With fixtures coming thick and fast, his leadership has kept Barcelona’s treble hopes alive, maintaining an unbeaten streak in 2025. After the match, Flick expressed optimism, stating, “Dreaming is allowed,” especially following their recent Copa del Rey final qualification after defeating Atletico Madrid. Following such a dominating win over Dortmund, Barcelona's dreams of glory in Europe seem increasingly within reach.
