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Raphinha delivered a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick as Barcelona cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in a thrilling Champions League group stage match on Wednesday.
Despite having lost their previous six encounters against Bayern, the Catalan giants outclassed the six-time European champions at the Olympic Stadium. Robert Lewandowski added to the scoreline for Barcelona, while Harry Kane netted the sole goal for the visitors.
Hansi Flick, who oversaw Bayern’s infamous 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in 2020, led his current team to a resounding win that hints at a potential return to glory for the Spanish side, who have not lifted the Champions League trophy since 2015.
The defeat leaves Bayern with just one win from their first three group games, positioning them in the lower half of the table. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s two victories place them in the upper ranks.
“This could easily have been a Champions League final in my opinion,” Raphinha told Movistar. “To win it in such a dominant fashion, especially in front of our fans, makes it special. Now, we focus on our next challenge this weekend.”
Barcelona will face Real Madrid in an eagerly anticipated La Liga Clásico, having warmed up for the encounter in impressive style.
Flick introduced Fermin Lopez, making his first start of the season after recovering from injury, while Bayern’s head coach, Vincent Kompany, opted for Serge Gnabry in place of Jamal Musiala, who was on the bench due to fitness concerns.
Despite having failed to score in their last four meetings with Bayern, Barcelona took the lead within the first minute. Fermin Lopez set up Raphinha, who slipped past Bayern’s defense to calmly round Manuel Neuer and slot the ball into the net. The Brazilian winger, playing his 100th game for the club, donned the captain’s armband with pride.
At the other end, Kane came close to leveling the score but miscontrolled the ball, giving Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Inaki Pena, the chance to clear the danger. The English striker later had a goal disallowed for offside by a narrow margin.
Bayern pressed forward, and Kane eventually found the back of the net after 18 minutes, acrobatically finishing Serge Gnabry’s cross, leaving Barcelona’s defense momentarily in disarray.
