Barcelona took a giant step toward the UEFA Champions League semifinals with a scintillating 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night. The Catalan giants, led by a vintage display from Robert Lewandowski, dismantled the German side with a performance brimming with precision, pace, and purpose.

The tone was set in the 25th minute when Raphinha broke the deadlock, latching onto a clever flick from teenage defender Pau Cubarsí and slotting the ball home from close range. That goal ignited a wave of pressure from Barcelona, who looked determined to make their home leg count.

Just three minutes into the second half, the Blaugrana doubled their lead. This time, it was Lewandowski who haunted his former club, rising highest to nod in a perfectly weighted cross from Raphinha. The Polish striker was in ruthless form, and in the 66th minute, he struck again this time converting a low cutback from Fermín López with clinical ease to make it 3-0.

Seventeen-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal then added the icing on the cake in the 77th minute. Capitalizing on a swift counterattack initiated once again by the electric Raphinha, Yamal kept his composure to slot past the keeper, sealing a commanding four-goal lead ahead of the second leg in Germany.

Borussia Dortmund had their moments but were largely second-best throughout the contest. Serhou Guirassy had a golden opportunity to equalize in the first half but failed to convert. Late in the game, Maximilian Beier thought he had grabbed a consolation, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Barcelona’s dominance was total not just in attack but in defensive solidity as well. The backline, marshaled by a youthful and energetic core, never allowed Dortmund to settle into rhythm. With the second leg set for April 15 at Signal Iduna Park, Edin Terzić's men face an uphill battle to overturn a four-goal deficit.

For Barcelona, this was more than a win it was a statement. Under Xavi’s guidance, the team has rediscovered its swagger, and with Lewandowski in top form and young stars like Yamal shining, the dream of European glory once again feels very real.