The first leg of the 2024-2025 Champions League quarter-finals ended early on Thursday morning (10/04) IST. The two final matches played at the same time were Barcelona v Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa.
Let us start with the Barcelona vs. Dortmund match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Barcelona proved why they are the favourites to win this season under the guidance of Hansi Flick.
Barcelona won 4-0 and made the most of their home game against Niko Kovac’s side. Barcelona’s four goals came from Raphinha (25′), two from former Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski (48′, 65′) and Lamine Yamal (77′).
Barcelona excelled in every aspect of the stats, from possession (61 per cent) and number of shots (18 and 10 on target) to 88 per cent passing accuracy, with a total of 546 passes. This was Barcelona’s second highest number of wins since 2018-2019 (5-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais).
PSG Rampage at Parc des Princes
Luis Enrique’s PSG hosted Villa, who are coached by former PSG boss Unai Emery. Les Parisiens made the most of their home advantage at the Parc des Princes to run out 3-1 winners.
PSG’s three goals were scored by Desire Doue (39′), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (49′) and Nuno Mendes (90+2′), who responded to Morgan Rogers’ opener (35′). PSG enjoyed 76 per cent of possession, 29 shots (10 on target) and a total of 840 passes.
The result leaves Villa winless against French teams in all competitions (D2 L4), but unlike Dortmund, Villa scored a goal and that could be a valuable asset in the second leg at Villa Park.
The return leg takes place on Wednesday (16/04) at 12.30 IST. Villa host PSG at Villa Park and Dortmund host Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park. Parc des Princes
