The Spanish empire is crumbling. And it looks like a German one is replacing it.
One day after Barcelona was embarrassed 4-0 defeat against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid suffered an equally devastating 4-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champion league semifinals.
The German side jumped out to an early lead when Robert Lewandowski tapped in a cross from the left wing. Marco Reus was spectacular in the early half and continually walked into the Madrid zone with little difficulty to create a few chances. The Spanish side looked discombobulated throughout the opening half hour. Eventually a mistake from Mats Hummels enabled Gonzalo Higuain to break loose on a counterattack. With Borussia keeper Roman Weidenfeller out of position, Higuain fed a low cross to a breaking Cristiano Ronaldo and the superstar slotted in the tying goal. Madrid created a great deal of chances after the goal, but the half ended 1-1.
The second half turned into the Lewandowski show. The Polish striker gave his team the lead in the 50th minute and then completed his hat trick with a solid individual effort in which he spun around the Madrid defense and roofed the ball past keeper Diego Lopez.
With the score at 3-1, the German side continued to attack and eventually earned a penalty shot when Xabi Alonso fouled Reus inside the Madrid area. Lewandowski made no mistake and blasted the ball into the middle of the net to complete his fourth of the evening. He could have made it five but Lopez made a spectacular diving save to keep the score at 4-1.
Madrid pressed later on in the match with Ronaldo and Sami Khedira both denied by Weidenfeller on key chances.
With the loss, Madrid must now win 3-0 at home next Tuesday; the away goal would give the Spaniards the edge. Ronaldo leads the Champions league with 12 goals but Lewandowski has 10 goals in the tournament. With his goal, Ronaldo has now scored 50 Champions league goals in his career.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
