FC Barcelona achieved a resounding victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, thrashing their guests Borussia Dortmund 4-0, putting one and a half feet into the semi-finals of the tournament. The Catalan team delivered a brilliant performance, especially in the first half, which featured remarkable dominance both offensively and defensively. The team demonstrated complete control over the match, showing excellent cohesion and organization.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Ferran Torres was not pleased about starting the match against Borussia Dortmund on the bench. Now in peak form, arguably the best of his career so far, he had hoped for more continuity and a permanent spot in the starting lineup. In 2025, the player has been enjoying an impressive goal-scoring run, making him one of Barcelona’s most reliable forwards and earning him the recognition he deserves.
Hansi Flick entrusted him with leading the team in the Copa del Rey, where he delivered a standout performance, especially in the match against his former club Valencia, where he scored a hat-trick, in addition to a goal against Atlético Madrid that helped the team reach the final. In the most recent La Liga round, Ferran started the game, but was placed on the left wing, a position Xavi Hernández often used him in, although he never felt entirely comfortable in that role.
The former Manchester City player is well aware of the intense competition for attacking spots within the team, but he hoped Flick would appreciate his current form and prioritize him in the lineup, particularly over Raphinha Dias, who is still struggling with fitness issues and leg fatigue, or even over Robert Lewandowski, who was entirely absent from the match against Real Betis.
However, the German coach opted not to make major changes to his tactical setup, keeping the same starting XI, which led to Ferran being benched again. Although he did feature in the second half, he only entered the pitch in the 81st minute, a period too short to make an impact or prove himself. He returned home angry, with clear signs of frustration on his face.
Despite Barcelona’s big win over Borussia Dortmund, a result that brought the team very close to the Champions League semi-finals, the atmosphere was not entirely positive.