Striker’s masterclass
26 April 2013 6:55 AM IST
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski netted all four goals in Borussia Dortmund’s 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, first-leg to strengthen the possibility of an all-German final at Wembley on May 25.
After Bayern Munich’s 4-0 hammering of Barcelona on Tuesday in the other semi-final, Borussia followed the German champions’ example. Dortmund were as clinical as Bayern as they floored Jose Mourinho’s Real who narrowly avoided suffering their worst defeat in the competition - AC Milan beating them 5-0 in what was then the European Cup in the 1988/89 campaign. “We have taken only the first step, but of course we are happy,” said Lewandowski, who became the first player to score four goals in a Champions League semi-final.
“I am pleased with the four goals, but now we want to reach the final.”
The anticipated hostile reaction from the home fans towards Goetze never materialised and he helped give the hosts the perfect start.
His floated cross from the left wing found Lewandowski unmarked at the back post to stab the ball home with just eight minutes on the clock.
Real drew level on the 41st minute when Dortmund defender Mats Hummels’ back pass was seized on by Gonzalo Higuain, who drew Weidenfeller and squared for Ronaldo to tap in his 11th goal in 10 European games. The hosts upped the pace in the second half and Lewandowski grabbed his second with a clinical finish on the turn to slot home Reus’ pass.
He netted his third five minutes later drilling a fabulous shot home. With fans in delirium, he claimed his fourth of the night.
After Bayern Munich’s 4-0 hammering of Barcelona on Tuesday in the other semi-final, Borussia followed the German champions’ example. Dortmund were as clinical as Bayern as they floored Jose Mourinho’s Real who narrowly avoided suffering their worst defeat in the competition - AC Milan beating them 5-0 in what was then the European Cup in the 1988/89 campaign. “We have taken only the first step, but of course we are happy,” said Lewandowski, who became the first player to score four goals in a Champions League semi-final.
“I am pleased with the four goals, but now we want to reach the final.”
The anticipated hostile reaction from the home fans towards Goetze never materialised and he helped give the hosts the perfect start.
His floated cross from the left wing found Lewandowski unmarked at the back post to stab the ball home with just eight minutes on the clock.
Real drew level on the 41st minute when Dortmund defender Mats Hummels’ back pass was seized on by Gonzalo Higuain, who drew Weidenfeller and squared for Ronaldo to tap in his 11th goal in 10 European games. The hosts upped the pace in the second half and Lewandowski grabbed his second with a clinical finish on the turn to slot home Reus’ pass.
He netted his third five minutes later drilling a fabulous shot home. With fans in delirium, he claimed his fourth of the night.
Next Story
