If there's one team setting the standard in this season’s UEFA Champions League, it’s FC Barcelona. Following their emphatic 4-0 win over last year’s finalists Borussia Dortmund, the Catalan giants have cemented their status as title favourites.

Playing at their temporary home, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Hansi Flick's side looked hungry, sharp, and ruthless from the opening whistle. Within the first seven minutes, Barcelona created three clear chances, setting the tone for a one-sided affair. The attacking trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal proved too much for Dortmund’s backline to handle—and all three ended the night on the scoresheet.

Raphinha opens the floodgates

The breakthrough came midway through the first half. A deflected shot from young sensation Pau Cubarsí was tapped in by Raphinha, though the ball may have crossed the line regardless. The Brazilian was ultimately credited with the goal, giving Barça a deserved 1-0 lead.

Lewandowski torments former club

After the break, Lamine Yamal delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Raphinha headed the ball across goal for Lewandowski to slot into an empty net. The Polish striker—once a hero in Dortmund—added another chapter to his personal dominance over his former club, taking his tally against them to an astonishing 29 goals.

On 66 minutes, Lewandowski made it 3-0 with a first-time finish from a low cross by Fermín López. Eleven minutes later, he turned provider again—this time intercepting the ball deep in his own half, launching a counterattack, and setting up Yamal for the final blow with a precise strike into the far corner.

Barcelona: The team to beat in Europe?

With this resounding 4-0 victory, Barcelona look every bit the favourites for European glory. Fluid in attack, resilient in defence, and brimming with confidence, it's hard to see who can stop them. For Borussia Dortmund, the road to the semi-finals now looks steep—if not impossible.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Barcelona - Borussia D 4:0 (1:0)
Goals: Raphinha, 25 (1:0); Lewandowski, 48 (2:0); Lewandowski, 66 (3:0); Yamal, 77 (4:0)

Barcelona: Szczesny; Balde Al.; Cubarsí; Kounde; Martinez In. (Araujo R., 81); de Jong F.; Fermin (Gavi, 74); Raphinha; Yamal (Fati An., 86); Lewandowski (Torres F., 81); Pedri (Garcia E., 80)
Bench: Kochen Diego; Peña I.; Christensen A.; Martín; Fort H.; Torre P.; Pau Victor

Borussia D: Kobel; Anton; Bensebaini; Ryerson (Süle, 79); Can E.; Bynoe-Gittens (Duranville, 79); Brandt; Nmecha F. (Özcan Sa., 68); Chukwuemeka C. (Reyna G., 68); Adeyemi K. (Beier M., 46); Guirassy
Bench: Lotka; Meyer A.; Kabar; Couto; Svensson D.; Wätjen
Yellow Cards: Adeyemi K. 24; Guirassy 74