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FOOTBALL – Imperious Barcelona thumped visitors Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg last night after Robert Lewandowski netted twice against his old club to earn the Catalans a sizeable lead.
The treble-chasing Barca predictably dominated the opening stages and grabbed the lead following Raphinha’s strike in the 25th minute. A string of saves from Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel frustrated Barca for the remainder of the first half.
Barcelona emerged more determined following the break and it took them only three minutes to score the second with Raphinha assisting Lewandowski, who nodded home from close-range.
The Polish striker extended their lead in the 66th minute from just inside the box while Lamine Yamal wrapped up another demolition job by Barcelona in the 77th minute.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain were made to sweat to secure a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in another quarter-final, first-leg encounter, coming from behind after a shock opener from the visitors.
Morgan Rogers stunned the home crowd by putting Unai Emery’s side ahead in the first half but PSG swiftly turned the tide as teenager Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes struck to give the newly crowned Ligue 1 champions a well-deserved victory.
PSG’s dominance on the ball was evident as they dictated the tempo with a blend of composed possession, technical precision, and their trademark high pressing.
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