ROME, April 9th – The Champions League quarter-finals first leg delivered expected outcomes as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain secured victories against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, respectively. Barcelona showcased a dominant performance, overwhelming the German side coached by Niko Kovac with a resounding 4-0 win, thanks to goals from Raphinha, a Lewandowski double, and Yamal.
At the Parc des Princes, amidst Prince William`s support for Aston Villa, PSG had to recover from an initial goal by Rogers. They turned the game around to win 3-1, with goals from Doue, Kvaratskhelia, and Mendes.
In Spain, Barcelona lived up to their favored status, starting strongly and creating early chances with Lamine Yamal, who was denied by Kobel. Borussia Dortmund initially absorbed the pressure but conceded the first goal in the 25th minute. A corner, deflected by Cubarsi, found Raphinha who scored for 1-0. Borussia nearly equalized through Guirassy, who hit the side netting.
Early in the second half, Lewandowski doubled the lead in the 3rd minute, continuing his excellent form. He scored again in the 21st minute, securing his brace. Yamal then capitalized on a counter-attack in the 33rd minute to make it 3-0.
The match in Paris was more open. PSG controlled much of the first half, but Dembelé, Kvara, and Doué missed opportunities. Aston Villa took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute when Rogers, assisted by Tielemans from the left, beat Donnarumma from close range. PSG responded quickly, equalizing in the 39th minute with a long-range shot from Doué.
PSG pressed in the second half, and Kvaratskhelia scored a brilliant goal in the 4th minute, dribbling past defenders from the left and shooting under the bar past Martinez. Mendes sealed the deserved 3-1 victory in the 47th minute.