Barcelona Take Commanding Lead in Quarterfinal First Leg
Barcelona delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Camp Nou. The Catalan giants showcased their attacking prowess, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal also found the back of the net. This emphatic win puts Barcelona in a prime position to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2019, with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Dortmund.
Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker, was the star of the night, opening the scoring and later sealing his brace with a one-timer in the 66th minute. His 14 Champions League goals after age 35 surpass even Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 12 in that age bracket. With 40 goals across all competitions this season, including 25 in La Liga, Lewandowski continues to prove his enduring class. “In my head, I always want to be helping the team with my quality and my goals,” he said post-match. “When the team plays well, it becomes easier for me.”
Raphinha also shone brightly, contributing a goal and an assist. The Brazilian winger has now scored in each of Barcelona’s last four Champions League knockout matches, amassing seven goals in that run. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal capped off the night with a clinical finish in the 77th minute, hammering a significant blow to Dortmund’s hopes. The German side, last year’s Champions League runners-up after losing to Real Madrid, struggled to cope with Barcelona’s relentless attack.
Despite the resounding victory, Lewandowski urged caution: “We played very well, but we can’t be thinking about the semifinals yet. We scored four goals at home, but we still have the return leg to play.” Dortmund, where Lewandowski scored 17 of his 105 career Champions League goals between 2011 and 2014, will need a miracle to overturn this deficit on home soil.
PSG Triumph Over Aston Villa with Kvaratskhelia’s Magic
In the other Champions League quarterfinal clash on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in Paris, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger’s wonder goal stole the show, overshadowing an equally impressive curling effort from teammate Desire Doue. PSG’s attacking flair proved too much for the English side, who managed a consolation goal but couldn’t match the hosts’ intensity.
Kvaratskhelia’s strike, a breathtaking display of skill and precision, highlighted PSG’s dominance, while Doue’s curling shot added to the spectacle. The 3-1 scoreline gives PSG a solid advantage heading into the second leg, though Aston Villa will look to regroup and fight back on home turf. The French champions’ performance underscored their status as serious contenders in this year’s competition.
What’s Next?
Barcelona’s commanding lead sets them up as favorites to progress, but Dortmund’s resilience at home could still pose a threat. Meanwhile, PSG’s flair and two-goal cushion provide confidence as they prepare to face Aston Villa in the return fixture. Both ties remain alive, promising more drama in the Champions League quarterfinals.
For the latest updates on these matches and more, stay tuned as the road to the semifinals heats up.
For More Relate News
https://thenewzzone.com/category/sport