Champions League semi-final: Dortmund thrash Madrid as lightning almost strikes twice
It was another thrilling night of Champions League action, as Borussia Dortmund thrashed Real Madrid 4-1, meaning an all-German final was highly probable. Like Barcelona the night before, Madrid were simply outclassed by their Bundesliga opponents.
Following the humiliation of Barcelona at the hands of Bayern Munich the night before, Real Madrid headed into the game knowing they would have to be at their best to overcome a Dortmund team that topped the group stage that contained both sides.
Dortmund made the best possible start, with Robert Lewandowski volleying home from a Mario Götze cross in the eighth minute. It was a shock to the system for Los Galacticos, who were struggling to break down the final line of Dortmund’s defence.
Madrid managed to get back on level terms just before half time. A smart break away from the Spaniards ended in Cristiano Ronaldo tapping home into an empty net.
Former Bundesliga champions, Dortmund, were back in front just five minutes after the restart, as Lewandowski grabbed a brace by poking home following good work from Marco Reus.
The Pole wasn’t finished, grabbing his hat-trick with the goal of the night in the 55th minute. Lewandowski collected the ball in the box and turned superbly to smash home his third.
Real Madrid never got in their stride and at 3-1 the Spaniards still looked lost for ideas as they attempted to salvage something heading into the second leg in Madrid. But things got even worse, as Dortmund were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, following a clumsy challenge by Xabi Alonso on Marco Reus.
Lewandowski stepped up to the spot and smashed home his fourth of the evening. The Polish striker became the first ever player to score four goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Suitably stunned, Madrid was getting the same treatment that Barcelona had encountered in the Allianz Arena. Germany was again outclassing Spain in every department. From defence to attack, the gulf in class on the night was bemusing, given how good both Barcelona and Madrid are.
With the second legs still to play, it seems that a Germany vs. Germany final at Wembley is very much on the cards come 25th May.
Thomas Bradley, football correspondent
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