Raphinha Rockets Towards Messi’s Legendary Barcelona Champions League Record

Barcelona’s resurgent Champions League campaign has found its talisman in Brazilian winger Raphinha, whose blistering form this season is rewriting club history and propelling the Catalans toward European glory once more. In a dazzling story of redemption, resilience and record chasing, Raphinha now stands on the verge of matching, or even surpassing, the legendary Lionel Messi’s single-season Champions League feats — a milestone rich with symbolism for a club in renewal.

Hansi Flick’s side demolished Borussia Dortmund 4-0 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in a dominant first leg of their quarter-final clash, putting Barça one step firmly into the semi-finals. Yet beyond the emphatic scoreline, all eyes were on Raphinha, who opened the scoring and set up two more to hit a stunning 19 goal contributions in just 11 Champions League matches—exactly the number Messi posted during his iconic 2011-12 campaign. Suddenly, Raphinha’s fairytale season has turned into a record-breaking quest.

Raphinha’s transformation has stunned both fans and pundits. Arriving in 2022 from Leeds for £55m, the Brazilian endured two mixed seasons filled with doubts, injuries and speculation over his future. The appointment of Flick proved pivotal. The German coach empowered him with a leading role, fostering confidence, decision-making, and a more direct playing style. The result? A player reborn who, across all competitions, boasts a mind-boggling 28 goals and 20 assists this season. As BBC pundit Stephen Warnock noted, "It is phenomenal. Breathtaking when you put him in the same bracket as Messi."

More than mere numbers, Raphinha’s relentless energy drove Barcelona past Benfica in the last 16, with three goals and an assist, including a scintillating brace in the second leg. Against Dortmund, his early goal – a flicked touch in a tense moment that left even him admitting he was "relieved" it was allowed after an offside check – underscored his razor-sharp instincts. He even apologised post-match to young Pau Cubarsi, who thought he’d scored, highlighting Raphinha’s humility amidst the hysteria.

He later reflected, "I love playing with high-level players. We’re putting up spectacular numbers, and I hope we continue." It’s easy to see why. Alongside him, veteran Robert Lewandowski hit a double to reach 99 goals in just 140 Barcelona matches, becoming the first player to score 10+ Champions League goals for three different clubs, while 17-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal became the youngest to start 20 Champions League games, contributing 14 goals and 18 assists overall this season. The trio’s combined 82 goals have fuelled whispers of a feared attack capable of conquering Europe.

Within this unstoppable frontline, Raphinha’s individual odyssey resonates deeply. Raised among the hardships of Porto Alegre’s shantytowns, he once viewed football as his sole escape route. His perseverance through setbacks, self-doubt, and almost leaving Barcelona contrasts sharply with the superstar status he now commands, an inspirational arc defined by sacrifice and stubborn self-belief. Club insiders reveal even last summer he was close to being sold as financial pressures mounted, yet now Barcelona’s fortunes — and their dreams of a first Champions League since 2015 — rest heavily on his shoulders.

While the record for combined Champions League goal involvements in a single season remains with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 21 in 2013-14, Raphinha’s tally of 19 means he is within touching distance, with potentially four matches remaining. Flick, for his part, dismissed concerns over burnout, insisting the Brazilian is "awake, dynamic, ready for tomorrow’s game." The sense is palpable: something special is brewing in Barcelona’s attack, the most prolific duo in Europe right now with Raphinha and Lewandowski both at the top of this season’s scoring charts.

As the Blaugrana brace for the return leg in Dortmund, one question looms large: can Raphinha, the street kid from Restinga turned Catalan king, carve his name alongside Messi and Ronaldo in Champions League folklore? No matter the outcome, his spectacular season has ignited belief across Barcelona and beyond.

Will Raphinha shatter Messi’s record and spark a new European dynasty at Barcelona? Football fans everywhere will be watching closely. Share your views, celebrate this astounding comeback — or debate what’s next for Raphinha and Barça — in the comments below.

• Barcelona
• Lionel Messi
• Raphinha

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