Polish football star Robert Lewandowski continued his phenomenal scoring run, netting two goals for Barcelona against his former side, Borussia Dortmund, in the Champions League quarterfinal.
Barcelona were in imperious form on Wednesday evening, thumping the German visitors 4-0, giving the Catalans a sizable lead going into next week's second leg.
Poland’s captain was in scintillating form in front of goal, scoring his 104th and 105th goals in Europe’s premier club competition.
“I think we played very well but we are not thinking about the semifinals yet; we must keep the same focus and mentality that have brought us here so far,” Lewandowski told the television channel Movistar Plus+.
“Our mindset is always going for the win and that is how we will play at Dortmund. We have to go there and play as well as we did today or even better,” he added.
On Wednesday, Lewandowski became the first player in Champions League history to score over 10 goals in a single season for three different clubs.
Undefeated since late December, treble-chasing Barça predictably dominated the opening stages and grabbed the lead with Raphinha's strike in the 25th minute. A string of saves from Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel frustrated Barça for the remainder of the first half.
Barcelona emerged more determined after the break and it took them only three minutes to score the second goal, 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.
Barça were rarely troubled at the back by a fairly blunt Dortmund attack, but when they did threaten, they were met by in-form Polish keeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Barcelona have enjoyed a superb 23-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They are the only team in Europe's top five leagues yet to lose in 2025 and are still in the running to win three titles.
They lead LaLiga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, whom they face in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Hansi Flick's Barça have now scored 36 goals in 11 games in the Champions League and 145 in 48 competitive matches, thanks to their inspired attacking trident formed by Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha.
Lewandowski and Szczęsny were not the only Poles who impressed in the Champions League first leg quarterfinals this week.
Defender Jakub Kiwior did a fine job keeping Kylian Mbappé at bay in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat of Real Madrid. Kiwior, who can sometimes appear to lack the self-belief of a player on the biggest stage, was deputizing for the injured central defender Gabriel.
However, on Tuesday evening, the Pole was assured in possession and solid in dealing with one of the most front lines in the world.
Arsenal will take their three-goal advantage to the Bernabéu for Wednesday’s second leg, while Barça will face Dortmund on Tuesday with a four-goal lead.
Poland’s captain was in scintillating form in front of goal, scoring his 104th and 105th goals in Europe’s premier club competition.
“I think we played very well but we are not thinking about the semifinals yet; we must keep the same focus and mentality that have brought us here so far,” Lewandowski told the television channel Movistar Plus+.
“Our mindset is always going for the win and that is how we will play at Dortmund. We have to go there and play as well as we did today or even better,” he added.
On Wednesday, Lewandowski became the first player in Champions League history to score over 10 goals in a single season for three different clubs.
Undefeated since late December, treble-chasing Barça predictably dominated the opening stages and grabbed the lead with Raphinha's strike in the 25th minute. A string of saves from Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel frustrated Barça for the remainder of the first half.
Barcelona emerged more determined after the break and it took them only three minutes to score the second goal, 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.
Barça were rarely troubled at the back by a fairly blunt Dortmund attack, but when they did threaten, they were met by in-form Polish keeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Barcelona have enjoyed a superb 23-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They are the only team in Europe's top five leagues yet to lose in 2025 and are still in the running to win three titles.
They lead LaLiga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, whom they face in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Hansi Flick's Barça have now scored 36 goals in 11 games in the Champions League and 145 in 48 competitive matches, thanks to their inspired attacking trident formed by Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha.
Kiwior stepping up on the big stage
Lewandowski and Szczęsny were not the only Poles who impressed in the Champions League first leg quarterfinals this week.
Defender Jakub Kiwior did a fine job keeping Kylian Mbappé at bay in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat of Real Madrid. Kiwior, who can sometimes appear to lack the self-belief of a player on the biggest stage, was deputizing for the injured central defender Gabriel.
However, on Tuesday evening, the Pole was assured in possession and solid in dealing with one of the most front lines in the world.
Arsenal will take their three-goal advantage to the Bernabéu for Wednesday’s second leg, while Barça will face Dortmund on Tuesday with a four-goal lead.
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