Hansi Flick Demands More Despite Dominant Display as Raphinha Shines
Barcelona delivered a statement performance on Wednesday, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 at the Olympic Stadium to take a commanding lead in their Champions League quarter-final tie. Yet, coach Hansi Flick insisted his side still have room to improve, despite their ruthless display.
The Catalans, now the competition’s top scorers with 36 goals, overwhelmed last year’s runners-up with their attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal proving too much for Dortmund to handle.
“I want to keep improving—today we saw areas where we can get better,” Flick told reporters after the match. “We’ll analyze this game, and while the players did very well, there are still things to work on. I’m happy with the result, but this is just the first step.”
Raphinha was the standout performer, scoring his 12th Champions League goal of the season—making him the tournament’s leading scorer—and adding two assists. The Brazilian now has 19 direct goal contributions in Europe this campaign, matching a club record previously held by Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
“I always knew he was an extraordinary player,” Flick said of Raphinha. “The team leans on his shoulders—his energy and creativity are vital.”
Meanwhile, Dortmund boss Niko Kovac admitted his side were thoroughly outplayed but refused to completely give up hope ahead of the second leg.
“It was a deserved defeat, though we could have scored,” Kovac said. “The return leg will be extremely difficult. I’m optimistic, but I have to be realistic—our chances of advancing are minimal. Still, we have to cling to a spark of hope. Without that, it’s impossible.”
Barcelona will take their commanding lead into next week’s second leg in Germany, where they’ll look to seal their place in the semi-finals.
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