Barcelona, PSG take one step in to UCL 2024-25 semis
Barcelona and PSG have taken a massive advantage in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. Both clubs won their first leg in the quarter-final and are the clear-cut favourites to play in the semi-final.
The Spanish club played host to Borussia Dortmund. PSG, who recently won the league title, were drawn against Aston Villa. It was a tough outing for Dortmund and Villa. Barcelona scored four goals past their opponent, while PSG takes a two-goal advantage into the second leg.
Barcelona: Attacking trio troubles Dortmund
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are at the top of their game. His team dominates the other team in possession and is scoring for fun in some matches. Raphinha has been their top player during this time. He, along with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, has given nightmares to defenders.
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It was another good day in the office for this trio. Raphinha started the scoring in the first half. Pau Cubarsi headed the ball and was on the verge of scoring his first UCL goal. However, Raphinha had some other plans. He just touched the ball on the line and gave his side the lead in the 25th minute. Barcelona had several other chances, but Kobel stood tall and made four saves in the first half.
The first goal laid down a foundation for the second half. It took Barcelona just three minutes to extend the advantage. This time, Raphinha created the goal, and former Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski was at the end of it. The Polish striker added his second of the night after Fermin Lopez found him inside the box. Youngster Lamine Yamal added another goal after Raphinha assisted him. The home team scored four goals against their German opponents. They have a big advantage going to the Signal Iduna Park. With one foot already in the next round, Barcelona could face Bayern Munich or Inter Milan in the last four.
PSG is on the verge of ending Villa’s UCL campaign
PSG were recently crowned as the champions of France. They faced another English opponent after eliminating Liverpool in the previous round. PSG outclassed Liverpool at home but lost the match. This time, Luis Enrique was hoping for a better performance in front of the goal.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, had a huge task in hand. They needed to deal with some of the best young talents in the world. PSG kept the ball and added pressure on Villa’s defence. They ended the match with 75% possession.
PSG were the better starters, but Villa stunned them with the opening goal in the 35th minute. Morgan Rogers got to the end of Tielemans’ cross to give his side the lead. From that time onwards, PSG never looked back. Desire Doue’s clean strike from outside the box was too hot to handle for Emi Martinez.
The French side scored two goals in the second half. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the 49th minute, and Nuno Mendes scored in added time to give their side a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
