Barcelona crush Dortmund in Champions League and warn: 'We're still getting better'

The Catalans left last season's runners-up stunned and their semi-final spot within reach.

Flick, delighted with the result, kept his focus razor-sharp. "I'm very happy with the result today, but it's just the first step," he said post-match. "We will analyse this game, and I'll tell the players they did very well, but there are still things to improve. I want to keep pushing forward."

His words signal trouble for Europe's elite, as Barcelona have now stretched their unbeaten run across all competitions to 23 matches (19 wins, 4 draws).

The Blaugrana's attacking trident of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal ran riot.

Lewandowski bagged a brace against his old club, taking his tally to 28 goals in 28 games versus Dortmund. Raphinha, the competition's leading scorer with 12 goals, opened the floodgates with a sharp finish at the back post and later turned provider with two assists. Yamal capped the rout with a stunning strike, underlining why Barcelona are the tournament's top-scoring side with 36 goals.

Flick couldn't hide his admiration for Raphinha, who matched Lionel Messi's club record of 19 direct goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign. "I always thought he's an extraordinary player," Flick said. "The team is set on his shoulders, his dynamism."

For Dortmund, it was a night to forget. Manager Niko Kovac cut a dejected figure, admitting the defeat was deserved. "We could have got a goal, but the return leg will be very difficult," he said.

"I'm optimistic, but I have to be a realist, our chances of going through are minimal. We need a spark of hope, because without it, it's impossible."

Dortmund have now failed to beat Barcelona in six attempts (2 draws, 4 losses), and a miracle looks their only route to the semis.

The hosts wasted no time asserting dominance. Raphinha's opener came early, though replays showed he was inches from an offside call. Dortmund responded with intent, Carney Chukwuemeka and Serhou Guirassy went close, but lacked the cutting edge.

Lewandowski made them pay after the break, nodding in from Raphinha's header off a Yamal cross. The Pole then struck again on a lightning counter, finishing Fermín Lopez's perfect lay-off, before Yamal sealed the deal with Raphinha's assist.

Lewandowski's heroics made history, he's now the first player to hit double figures in a single Champions League season for three different clubs: Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. With a treble firmly in sight, Flick's men are sending shockwaves through Europe.

Barcelona's official X account tweeted: "4-0. Statement made. Onto the next one." Lewandowski added: "Special night against my former team, proud of this squad." Dortmund's Kovac, meanwhile, posted: "Tough result to take. We regroup and fight in the second leg."

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