Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has warned the rest of Europe after his side dismantled Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, which puts Barçelona in firm control heading into the return leg, Flick insisted his team is far from finished and still has room to improve.
Read Also: Arsenal dismantle Real Madrid 3-0 in biggest Champions League upset
“I want to keep improving. Today we saw some areas we can do better,” Flick told reporters after the game.
“We will analyse this match, and I will tell the players they did very well — but there are still things to work on. I’m very happy with the result, but it’s just the first step.”
Ruthless Barça frontline overpowers Dortmund
Barcelona, the competition’s top scorer with 36 goals, produced a scintillating attacking display. Their dynamic front three of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal proved too much for Dortmund’s defence to handle.
Raphinha was the star of the night, netting his 12th Champions League goal of the season — making him the tournament’s leading scorer — and adding two assists. His 19 direct goal contributions in this European campaign equal the club record set by Lionel Messi.
“I always thought he’s an extraordinary player… the team is set on his shoulders, his dynamism,” Flick added.
Meanwhile, Dortmund coach Niko Kovac admitted his side was well beaten, but refused to give up hope entirely ahead of the second leg.
“It was a deserved defeat. We could have scored, but we all know the return leg will be very difficult,” said Kovac.
“I am optimistic, but I also have to be realistic. This is a big result, and our chances are minimal. Still, we must keep a spark of hope — without that, it will be impossible.”
Barcelona eye semi-final spot
Barcelona head into the second leg with one foot firmly in the semi-finals, brimming with confidence and momentum.
