FC Barcelona delivered a stunning performance against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, winning decisively with a score of 4-0 at Montjuïc Stadium on April 9, 2025. This victory puts Barcelona in a commanding position as they head into the second leg of the tie next week in Germany.
Raphinha was quick to make headlines in the match, opening the scoring just moments into the game. The Brazilian winger connected with a flick from Pau Cubarsí, managing to get a touch before the ball crossed the goal line. Initially, there was confusion as Cubarsí believed he had scored the goal himself, but Raphinha clarified the situation post-match. “I was worried about the play leading to the first goal, that I might be offside. The good thing is that it was valid,” he stated. “I touched the ball before the line and apologized to Cubarsí, and he told me it was fine, that it would count as an assist. I thought the ball could have gone out; it’s a quick decision.”
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, fielded a strong lineup, featuring key players such as Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Frenkie de Jong. The team had been in superb form leading up to this match, and they showcased their talent against a struggling Dortmund side. Raphinha, alongside Lewandowski and Yamal, formed a formidable attacking trio that kept the Dortmund defense on high alert throughout the match.
After Raphinha's opener, Lewandowski doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from close range. The Polish striker, who previously played for Dortmund, seemed particularly motivated against his former club. He added a second goal later in the match, which further solidified Barcelona's dominance. “I’m not going to admit we’re in the semifinals. There’s another game, and playing there is always difficult. They’re a team with a lot of quality,” Raphinha noted. His focus on the upcoming match underscores the competitive spirit within the squad.
Lamine Yamal capped off the scoring with a fourth goal, taking advantage of a rapid counterattack that left Dortmund scrambling. Yamal's pace and precision were on full display as he found the back of the net, effectively sealing the tie in Barcelona's favor. The young star has been a revelation this season, contributing significantly to the team's attacking prowess.
Barcelona's lineup for the match was as follows: Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde in defense. The midfield featured Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermín López, while the attacking front consisted of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. Notably, Barcelona had to contend with several injuries, including Marc-André ter Stegen and Dani Olmo, who were both sidelined.
Dortmund, managed by Nico Kovac, struggled to find their rhythm against the Spanish giants. Their starting XI included goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and defenders Marius Wolf, Emre Can, and Raphael Guerreiro. Despite their efforts, Dortmund was unable to penetrate Barcelona's solid defense or create significant scoring opportunities. Their best chance came from a long-range effort that was comfortably saved by Szczesny.
As the match progressed, Barcelona's confidence grew, and they maintained control of the ball, showcasing their ability to dominate possession. The home crowd was electrified by the team's attacking flair and tactical discipline, which has become a hallmark of Flick's management style.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will travel to Germany for the second leg of the quarter-finals, scheduled for April 16, 2025. Raphinha and his teammates are aware that the job is not yet done. “We got a good result and we have to continue like this, and we have to play a good game next week,” he emphasized, reminding fans that anything can happen in football.
With this impressive victory, Barcelona not only takes a significant step towards the semi-finals but also sends a clear message to the rest of Europe that they are serious contenders for this season's Champions League title. The team's blend of experience and youthful exuberance has them poised for a deep run in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see how they perform in the return leg against Dortmund.
In summary, Barcelona's 4-0 triumph over Borussia Dortmund was a testament to their current form and tactical efficiency. As they prepare for the second leg, all eyes will be on this talented squad to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
