Barcelona’s match against Bayern Munich was expected to focus on Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski. However, Raphinha took center stage and left the field to a standing ovation.
While both Kane and Lewandowski found the net, Raphinha’s hat trick led Barcelona to a convincing 4-1 victory in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“I have a fantastic team, and the players are unbelievable. But I’ve never had a player like Raphinha, because he’s incredibly dynamic both with and without the ball,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. “Every single team needs him, but we have him.”
Raphinha became one of the few players to score a hat trick against Bayern in the Champions League, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Aguero, and Roy Makaay.
“He always gives 100% in good and bad times. He’s working just as hard and giving everything for all his teammates. I’m so happy for him tonight,” defender Jules Koundé said about Raphinha.
Each of his three goals was unique. Raphinha first raced behind Bayern’s defense to score in the opening minute, then he shot the ball through defender Dayot Upamecano’s legs for his second goal just before halftime.
Raphinha’s third goal showcased his skill as he controlled Lamine Yamal’s cross-field pass on his chest, found a gap between two defenders, and finished his hat trick.
Barcelona’s fans applauded again when Raphinha, who also captained the team due to Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, was substituted in the 75th minute, leaving him a bit more rested for Saturday’s “Clasico” against Real Madrid.
Raphinha’s impressive performance against Bayern also reflects well on coach Hansi Flick, who won decisively against his former team. Flick had previously led Bayern to an 8-2 victory over Barcelona in 2020.
This loss puts Bayern’s season under new coach Vincent Kompany in a difficult position. After a record-breaking 9-2 win against Dinamo Zagreb, Bayern now sits 23rd in the Champions League standings, just below Zagreb, following consecutive losses to Aston Villa and Barcelona. In all competitions, Bayern has managed to win only one of its last five matches.
Raphinha’s ability to find gaps in Bayern’s defense raises concerns about the team’s vulnerability, as they have now conceded seven goals in their last three games.
