Raphinha matched a long-standing record held by Lionel Messi as Barcelona took a major step toward the Champions League semi-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their quarter-final first leg.
The Brazilian winger, formerly of Leeds United, broke the deadlock in the first half, getting the faintest of touches on Pau Cubarsí’s goal-bound flick just before it crossed the line. That goal marked his 19th goal involvement of the tournament, drawing him level with Barca legend Messi, who achieved the same number in the 2011-12 campaign. Raphinha also leads the Champions League scoring charts this season with 12 goals in just 11 appearances, including a memorable hat-trick against Bayern Munich in October.
Fast and Confident Start from Barcelona
Barcelona wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match. Right from the kickoff, the home side controlled possession and pushed Dortmund back into their own half. Early chances fell to teenager Lamine Yamal and veteran striker Lewandowski, as the Catalan club looked to make a statement.
It didn’t take long for them to open the scoring. In the 15th minute, Raphinha, this season’s leading scorer in the Champions League, tapped home from close range after a clever move down the right. The Brazilian winger timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross at the back post, giving Barca a deserved lead.
Shortly after, young defender Pau Cubarsí nearly made it 2-0, sliding in a shot that was cleared off the line by desperate Dortmund defending. The German side looked rattled and struggled to deal with Barcelona’s high pressing and quick transitions.
Dortmund Show Some Fight, but Lewandowski Steps Up
Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Dortmund did show some resilience. Carney Chukwuemeka had a shot blocked by Cubarsí, and Serhou Guirassy fired into the side netting just before half-time. But they lacked sharpness in the final third and couldn’t find a breakthrough.
After the interval, it looked like Dortmund might try to push forward. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens had a decent chance, shooting just wide of the target. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly crushed by Lewandowski.
In the 52nd minute, a well-worked play saw Raphinha head a cross from Yamal into Lewandowski’s path. The Polish striker made no mistake, heading the ball in from close range to double Barca’s advantage. It was his 28th goal in 28 appearances against Dortmund—a truly remarkable record.
Barcelona’s Counterattack Destroys Dortmund’s Hopes
Just minutes after Lewandowski’s first, Barcelona struck again. This time it was a textbook counterattack. Lamine Yamal threaded a brilliant pass through midfield to Fermin López, who raced forward and unselfishly squared the ball to Lewandowski. With ice-cold composure, the 36-year-old striker finished first time past Gregor Kobel to make it 3-0.
Lewandowski understood the assignment. pic.twitter.com/cCSNCPh3F5
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 9, 2025
That goal not only gave Barcelona a commanding lead but also made history. Lewandowski became the first player in UEFA Champions League history to score 10 or more goals in a single season for three different clubs—Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and now Barcelona.
It was a moment of personal triumph for Lewandowski and a brutal reminder to Dortmund of what they lost when he left the club in 2014.
Yamal Adds Fourth to Complete the Rout
Barcelona weren’t done yet. In the 75th minute, Raphinha turned provider again, slipping a smart pass into the path of Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old showed remarkable calmness to slot the ball past Kobel and score Barca’s fourth goal of the night.
It was a fitting end to a dominant performance. Yamal was electric on the right wing, constantly troubling Dortmund’s defense with his speed, dribbling, and vision. He finished with a goal and two assists, proving once again why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Flick’s Barcelona Looks Like Real Contenders
This was Barcelona’s best performance of the season and arguably one of the most impressive by any team in this year’s Champions League. Under Hansi Flick, the team has found the perfect balance between youthful energy and veteran experience.
Lewandowski’s goals, Raphinha’s creativity, Yamal’s spark, and a solid display from the midfield and backline made it a complete team effort. Flick’s tactics were spot on, and his players executed the plan to perfection.
The Catalan giants are still in the race for a historic treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League—and this result suggests they are serious contenders.
Dortmund Stunned and Facing Exit
For Borussia Dortmund, it was a night of disappointment and frustration. Niko Kovac’s side were completely outplayed and offered little threat going forward. Their defense was disorganized, and they lacked the intensity needed to compete at this level.
Dortmund have now gone six matches without a win against Barcelona (D2, L4), and unless they can pull off a miracle in the second leg, their European campaign will end at the quarter-final stage.
With a four-goal cushion and no away goals rule in play, Barcelona are firmly in control heading into the return leg in Germany. For now, Lewandowski and co. can celebrate a magical European night in front of their home fans.
READ NEXT:
