Raphinha equals Lionel Messi in Prestigious Champions League Milestone after Dortmund Rout

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FC Barcelona delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday (April 9).

Raphinha starred for the Blaugranas with a goal and two assists on the night. The Brazilian was scintillating for the Spanish giants as he outplayed the Dortmund defenders, tormented them all night and punished at crucial moments.

Raphinha's Impactful Performance

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a set-piece situation. A precise delivery from Fermín López found Iñigo Martínez, whose slight touch directed the ball towards Pau Cubarsí. Cubarsí's attempt was goal-bound, but Raphinha ensured its completion by tapping it in from close range. The goal underwent a VAR review for a potential offside, but it was ultimately upheld, granting Barcelona the lead.

Beyond his goal, Raphinha's influence was evident throughout the match. His dynamic presence on the right flank consistently troubled Dortmund's defense. This performance adds to Raphinha's impressive tally in the Champions League this season, bringing him closer to Lionel Messi's record of 14 goals in a single campaign.

Robert Lewandowski, facing his former club, showcased his striking prowess with goals in the 48th and 66th minutes. His first came from a well-timed header, while the second was a clinical finish following a defensive lapse by Dortmund. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sealed the emphatic victory with a goal in the 77th minute, culminating a swift counterattack. Raphinha was instrumental as he assisted Lewandowski for his first and then setup Yamal as well.

Raphinha equals Messi with Amazing UCL Record

Raphinha has now equalized with Lionel Messi for the most goal contributions for Barcelona in a single UCL season. The Brazilian has now made 19 goal contributions with 12 goals and 7 assists, thus leveling with the Argentine in the prestigious list.

Raphinha Goal Contributions in UCL So Far

• 1 Goal, 1 Assist - vs BSC Young Boys (2)
• 3 Goals - vs Bayern Munich (5)
• 1 Goal, 1 Assist - vs Crvena Zvezda (7)
• 1 Goal - vs Borussia Dortmund (8)
• 2 Goals - vs Benfica (10)
• 2 Assists - vs Atalanta (12)
• 1 Goal - vs Benfica (13) [Round of 16 1st Leg]
• 2 Goals, 1 Assist - vs Benfica (16) [Round of 16 2nd Leg]
• 1 Goal, 2 Assists - vs Borussia Dortmund (19) [QF 1st Leg]

Parallels to Messi's 2011-12 Season

Raphinha's current form evokes memories of Lionel Messi's stellar 2011-12 season. During that campaign, Messi amassed 73 goals across all competitions, with 14 in the Champions League alone. Notably, he became the first player to score five goals in a single Champions League match, achieving this feat against Bayer Leverkusen. Messi's contributions were instrumental in Barcelona securing multiple titles that season, and he was awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or for his exceptional performances.