Raphinha Gets 9, Lewandowski With 8.5 | Barcelona Players Rated In Impressive Win Vs Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona entertained Borussia Dortmund at the Nou Camp tonight in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash, and they did so in emphatic fashion. The Catalan giants got off to a flying start, with Raphinha’s early strike in the 25th minute giving them the lead at half-time. The pressure continued in the second half as Robert Lewandowski scored twice—once in the 48th minute and again in the 66th minute—before Lamine Yamal added a fourth goal in the 78th minute. Hansi Flick’s side ultimately secured an impressive 4-0 victory, leaving their opponents reeling.

Below is a detailed assessment of each Barcelona player’s performance during the match against Borussia Dortmund.

Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczęsny (7.5/10):
Szczęsny was solid between the sticks as he made several key saves, ensuring that the clean sheet remained intact. His quick reflexes and composure under pressure were vital in a game where Dortmund looked to test him relentlessly.

Right Back – Jules Kounde (7.5/10):
Kounde showed his defensive acumen by winning the ball back on two crucial occasions, and he even showcased his ability to drive forward with the ball. His clever runs helped the team transition smoothly from defense to attack, contributing to both defensive solidity and offensive support.

Center Back – Pau Cubarsi (7.5/10):
Cubarsi played his role with confidence and composure. Not only was he effective in his defensive duties, but he also contributed to the build-up play. His ability to retain possession and make accurate passes was highlighted by the fact that he even registered an assist.

Center Back – Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Martinez was tasked with managing the heart of the defense and delivered key clearances that helped maintain the team's structure. Although he was substituted in the 80th minute, his contributions up until that point were crucial in keeping Dortmund at bay.

Left Back – Alejandro Balde (6.5/10):
Balde fulfilled his defensive responsibilities effectively. However, his impact going forward was limited. Despite not providing much in terms of attacking impetus, he maintained a solid defensive presence, ensuring that there were no breaches on his side.

Central Midfielder – Frenkie de Jong (7.5/10):
De Jong orchestrated the game from the middle of the park, dictating the tempo with his precise passing and vision. He was instrumental in linking up play, helping Barcelona control possession and set the stage for their attacking moves throughout the match.

Central Midfielder – Pedri (7.5/10):
Pedri’s performance was marked by his energy and influence in both offensive and defensive phases of the game. He was a crucial conduit for the team’s creative flow, providing incisive passes and maintaining pressure on Dortmund's midfield, which contributed significantly to the overall control of the match.

Right Winger – Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Yamal proved to be a constant threat down the right flank. His pace and ability to press the Dortmund defenders led to multiple dangerous situations. Notably, he broke the deadlock early in the second half with a clinical finish that further extended Barcelona’s lead.

Attacking Midfielder – Fermin Lopez (8/10):
Lopez was a tireless presence around Dortmund’s penalty area, consistently creating scoring opportunities. His movement and positional play were pivotal in disrupting the opposition’s defensive shape, and he even recorded an assist. His performance was a key factor in Barcelona’s ability to maintain their attacking momentum.

Left Winger – Raphinha (9/10):
Raphinha was simply unstoppable throughout the match. His early goal set the tone, and his ability to both score and provide two assists underscored his importance for the team. His overall performance, marked by flair and precision, rightly earned him the man-of-the-match honors.

Striker – Robert Lewandowski (8.5/10):
Lewandowski, a perennial threat in front of goal, was in outstanding form. His two well-taken goals were crucial in building and then extending the lead, and his ability to hold up play allowed Barcelona to transition seamlessly from defense to attack. His scoring proficiency was a decisive factor in the win and his performance was one of the high points of the match.

Substitute – Gavi (6/10):
Coming off the bench, Gavi provided a burst of energy, though his contribution was somewhat limited compared to his teammates who played the full 90 minutes. While his performance was solid, it was clear that his introduction was aimed at maintaining momentum rather than changing the complexion of the game.

Overall Analysis

Barcelona’s commanding 4-0 win at the Nou Camp was a masterclass in team performance, with each player contributing to a collective display that left Borussia Dortmund chasing shadows. The match began with an assertive performance from the attacking lineup, and the resultant goals perfectly encapsulated the fluidity and precision of Barcelona's play.

The early goal from Raphinha was a significant psychological boost, setting in motion a series of events that saw Robert Lewandowski double the lead and later add a second to cement the victory. Lamine Yamal’s contribution in the second half further sealed a dominant performance. Individually, standout performances from key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Pedri underlined the depth of talent available to the Catalan giants, while the organized defensive displays from Szczęsny, Kounde, and Cubarsi provided a solid foundation.

Real Madrid’s efforts, despite being commendable in parts, were overshadowed by Barcelona’s relentless attack and tactical discipline. While the individual performances of the Madrid players reflected flashes of brilliance, particularly from their veteran goalkeeper, overall, the performance was marred by a lack of cohesion and an inability to cope with Barcelona’s set-piece precision—most notably the two world-class free-kicks delivered by Declan Rice (from a different match context).

In this match, Barcelona showcased their ability to control the game through superior possession and quick transitions, while also capitalizing on the pressing weaknesses in Dortmund’s defense. The result not only consolidates Barcelona’s position in the Champions League quarterfinals but also sends a strong message to the opposition about their ambition and quality.

As Barcelona prepares for the return leg at Signal Iduna Park, their fans can look forward to further displays of tactical mastery and individual brilliance. This match stands as a testament to the club's strength and readiness to contend for the ultimate prize in European football, and it reinforces the narrative that with performances like these, the path to glory becomes ever clearer.

For an in-depth visual recap of the match and detailed highlights, be sure to check out the official match analysis on Barcelona’s YouTube channel, where every brilliant moment of this unforgettable game is captured.