Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Barcelona Thrash Borussia Dortmund in Champions League Quarter-Final
Barcelona delivered a commanding performance, suggesting they are approaching the competition with apparent ease and enjoyment. Despite captain Raphinha’s playful denial, a Champions League semi-final berth seems almost guaranteed following a resounding 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Montjuic. All three of Barcelona’s exceptional forwards scored, including a final goal from a sensational 17-year-old talent who might already be considered the continent’s best player, or possibly, just the second-best on his own team.
Stellar Performance from Barcelona’s Key Players
Lamine Yamal capped off Barcelona’s near-perfect display with a superb goal, his 14th of the season. Pedri continued to exhibit his class, while Robert Lewandowski, two decades Yamal’s senior, notched his 39th and 40th goals. At 37, the Polish striker is the Champions League’s second-highest scorer. Raphinha, the player above him and also on the scoresheet in this match, contributed to Barcelona’s impressive tally of 144 goals this season, propelling them towards the next round and potentially further. They appear to be a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Dortmund Struggles to Compete
Borussia Dortmund struggled to impose themselves. Paris-Saint Germain or Aston Villa are expected to pose a greater challenge than the German side, who only briefly threatened in a game Barcelona controlled from start to finish. Yamal forced an early save from Gregor Kobel and bewildered Ramy Bensebaini before setting up Lewandowski. Within six minutes, Barcelona had already created three goal-scoring opportunities. Dortmund were stifled, afforded space behind Barcelona’s high defensive line but denied the time and space to exploit it.
Midfield Dominance and Tactical Acumen
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong controlled the midfield, while Fermín López also impressed. Raphinha’s tireless work rate was evident, highlighted by a clever short corner routine that almost caught Dortmund off guard. While that particular play didn’t succeed, a subsequent set-piece led to Barcelona’s opening goal.
VAR Drama and Opening Goal
A foul on Jules Koundé led to a free kick, which Iñigo Martínez headed down. Pau Cubarsi, another outstanding 17-year-old Barcelona player, directed the ball towards goal. It appeared to be going in, but Raphinha, sliding in, ensured it crossed the line, prompting a VAR review. Despite his initial worry, Raphinha was relieved to be deemed onside, securing the lead for his team, which could have been extended soon after when Yamal nearly found him with a clear run.
Dortmund’s Brief Threat and Barcelona’s Resilience
Dortmund briefly found a way to threaten Barcelona’s defense. Koundé blocked Serhou Guirassy, who then squandered a golden opportunity, missing the ball and falling near the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny watched in disbelief as the ball landed safely in his grasp. Dortmund continued to press, with Chukwuemeka having shots blocked, Szczesny saving from Jamie Gittens, and a dangerous ball from Adeyemi narrowly eluding Guirassy. Guirassy then struck the side netting just before halftime.
Second Half Surge and Decisive Goals
Barcelona returned after halftime and swiftly doubled their advantage, extinguishing any Dortmund hopes of a comeback. Pedri delivered another precise pass, initiating a remarkable sequence of play reminiscent of volleyball. Yamal’s perfectly weighted cross found Raphinha, who headed it across the goal for Lewandowski to finish.
Clinical Finishing Secures Victory
Dortmund were effectively defeated, and a third goal soon followed. Fermín and Yamal combined to set up Lewandowski for Barcelona’s fourth chance in as many minutes, during which Fermín had already struck the woodwork twice. Kobel had previously denied Lewandowski, but this time, the ball squeezed under his body. It was another excellent goal, originating from within Barcelona’s own area and executed with speed and accuracy. Barcelona continued to threaten, with Raphinha breaking free and passing to Yamal. Yamal controlled the ball and calmly finished, completing a dominant victory that mirrored playground ease.