After arch rivals Real Madrid fell 3-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates stadium, Barca went on to demolish their guests 4-0. A goal by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal combined with a brace by Robert Lewandowski sealed the deal for Hansi Flick’s side at the Montjuic.
Greedy Mr UCL?
The first goal came from a set piece as Barca took a corner in the 25th minute. Pau Cubarsi‘s smart touch sent the ball towards the right bottom corner while beating Kobel. The ball looked to have been going in but suddenly Raphinha took a touch to it before it went in. There was fear of the Brazilian being offside, but a VAR check confirmed the goal stands and Raphinha is the scorer.
Raphinha: “I was quite worried if I was offside. I apologized to CubarsĂ, but he told me it was fine.”Raphinha: “To be honest, I was worried that I was offside. It was by instinct. I always want to score.” Raphinha: “I apologized to CubarsĂ. I touched the ball before it crossed the line. I told him to be happy, it would be counted as an assist for him.” *laughs*
Front 3 combine to double the lead
The 2nd goal came when Lamine Yamal chipped the ball to Raphinha from the right edge of the box. The Brazilian, instead of going for the goal headed it towards Robert Lewandowski who headed it in at the other corner of the goal.
Fermin Lopez with a moment of Brilliance
Lamine Yamal was again at the heart of the play when he released a beautiful ball through to Fermin Lopez who slid it into the box for Lewandowski to finish. Fermin Lopez had a few chances of his own to score earlier but couldn’t, however, bagged an assist with this goal.
Lamine Yamal gets on the score sheet
Lamine Yamal after providing two pre assists bagged a goal for himself on a counterattack. Raphinha crossed the ball into the starboy’s path perfectly who slid it past Kobel to make it 4-0 on the night.
Barca more or less settled the Quarterfinal in the first leg with a dominant display. Pedri and Frenkie de jong as usual put on a midfield masterclass. In a beautiful gesture, Yamal asked to be subbed out after his goal so Ansu Fati could get a chance.