Raphinha Equals Messi’s Champions League Record, Closes In on Ronaldo’s Historic Mark

• Raphinha delivered a standout performance as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund in a commanding Champions League display
• The winger equalled the competition record previously set by Lionel Messi, highlighting his growing influence on the European stage
• The Brazilian's brilliance helped seal a dominant victory for Barcelona and moved him closer to more historic milestones in the competition

Raphinha matched a record previously held by Lionel Messi as Barcelona took a massive step toward the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on April 9.

The Brazilian starred alongside Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, finding the net in a dominant 4-0 first-leg victory over Borussia Dortmund at home.

Barcelona dismantles Dortmund in UCL quarter-final

The former Leeds winger opened the scoring for the Catalan giants, just managing to get a touch on Pau Cubarsí's flick inches before the ball crossed the line.

Despite dominating the first half and creating numerous chances, Barcelona went into the break with only a slender one-goal lead, keeping Dortmund in the contest.

Read also

Barcelona declared 'best club' in the world after dismantling Dortmund in UCL

However, their ex-striker Lewandowski extended the lead just three minutes into the second half, heading home from a Raphinha assist after a brilliant cross from Yamal.

The third goal, the only one Raphinha didn’t directly contribute to, came from Fermin Lopez, who played a slick one-two with Yamal before assisting Lewandowski for his 40th goal of the season.

The goal was also the Poland captain's 29th in 28 games against his former club since moving to Bayern in 2014.

Yamal capped off the performance by scoring the final goal, as Barcelona’s front three combined yet again in a dazzling display.

Raphinha matches Messi's Champions League record

Raphinha’s assist brought his tally to 19 direct goal involvements in this season’s Champions League alone, and 50 across all competitions.

That remarkable figure puts him on par with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who also recorded 19 goal involvements in the 2011-12 Champions League campaign.

Read also

Barcelona star Raphinha criticised for 'stealing' 18-year-old teammate's first UCL goal

Raphinha eyes Cristiano Ronaldo's UCL record

If Raphinha manages three more goal involvements, he will surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 21 in a single UCL season, set during Real Madrid’s 2013-14 title run.

The Brazilian currently leads the Champions League scoring charts with 12 goals in just 11 matches, including a memorable hat-trick against Bayern Munich in October.

Lewandowski is right behind him with 11 goals, making them the first Barcelona duo to reach double figures in a Champions League season since Messi and Neymar in 2014-15.

That campaign ended in a historic treble, a feat Hansi Flick’s side could replicate.

Raphinha, Lewandowski comment after UCL first leg

"Today we played as a team," Lewandowski told Movistar post-match. "It doesn't matter who scores... Me, Rapha, Lamine... We all score for Barcelona and that's what matters."

Raphinha, meanwhile, added:

"I can't say we're in the semi-finals. There's still another game left. It's always difficult. The next match will be very different. In front of their fans, they will be a different team with a lot of quality."

Read also

Florentino Pérez Reportedly Open to Selling Real Madrid Star After Arsenal Humbling

Lewandowski shared that sentiment, with the Pole saying:

"It doesn't matter if we scored four goals today. We have to play at the same level or better in Germany. We have to be ready."

Ronaldinho backs Barcelona player for Ballon d'Or

YEN.com.gh also highlighted that Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho backed a Barcelona star to clinch the Ballon d'Or.

The iconic former playmaker praised Lamine Yamal, adding that he genuinely enjoyed watching his skills in action.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh