Barcelona Dismantle Dortmund In Champions League Masterclass

Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in a dominant Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.

Hansi Flick's rejuvenated side are now on the brink of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2019, extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 23 matches. The Catalan giants overwhelmed last season's runners-up with a performance full of intent, pace, and clinical finishing.

Barcelona took the lead midway through the first half when Raphinha prodded home from close range after teenager Pau Cubarsi's effort had already beaten Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Although there was a brief VAR check, the goal stood, giving the Brazilian his 12th of the campaign.

"I was worried I was offside for the goal," Raphinha admitted. "I touched it before it crossed the line and said sorry to Pau. He told me not to worry, hed count it as an assist."

Despite a couple of half-chances for Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy, who fluffed a golden opportunity to equalise before the break, the visitors never truly threatened to turn the tide.