Raphinha has equalled Lionel Messi’s club record for goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign, scoring and assisting twice as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their quarter-final first leg.
The Brazilian forward reached 19 goal involvements in the competition this term, matching Messi’s record set in the 2011-12 campaign.
Raphinha’s 12th European goal of the season gave Barcelona a deserved first-half lead, before Robert Lewandowski struck twice after the break and Lamine Yamal added a fourth.
The hosts dominated the early stages, with Yamal and Lewandowski forcing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into smart saves.
Barcelona’s pressure paid off in the 25th minute, with Raphinha scoring a fortuitous goal after a free-kick from Fermin Lopez found Inigo Martinez at the far post.
Lewandowski doubled Barcelona’s lead three minutes after the restart, converting Raphinha’s header across the face of goal.
Dortmund began to struggle as mistakes on the ball gifted the La Liga leaders several more chances, before Lewandowski put the first leg beyond doubt with his 99th goal for the club.
Raphinha matched Messi’s record by sliding the ball across for Yamal to finish in the 77th minute, following another ruthless break. Barcelona will travel to Germany for the second leg on Tuesday, April 15.
A COMMANDING PERFORMANCE
The scoreline may not tell the full story of a remarkable game, but Barcelona’s much-feared forward line was on full display.
Raphinha and Yamal caused Dortmund endless problems on the flanks, with the latter forcing Kobel into a comfortable save before lashing wide from a tight angle.
Despite dominating possession and producing 10 shots on target, Dortmund should have scored themselves, but Barcelona’s high defensive line and heroic defending maintained their four-goal buffer.
The visitors never gave up, but in the end, it was a night for Raphinha and Barcelona’s forward line.
