Raphinha matched Lionel Messi’s record for most goal contributions in a single Champions League season for Barcelona, delivering a standout performance as his team overwhelmed Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
The Brazilian winger scored once and provided two assists, bringing his total involvement in goals this campaign to 19 – equal to the tally Messi set in the 2011-12 season. His early opener set the tone for a dominant evening, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice and Lamine Yamal also on the scoresheet as the Spanish side secured a commanding lead ahead of the return fixture in Germany.
Barcelona stormed out of the blocks, creating a flurry of early chances, with Yamal and Lewandowski both testing Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel within the opening minutes. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half. After Karim Adeyemi fouled Jules Kounde by pulling his hair, Fermin Lopez swung in a free kick that eventually led to Raphinha tapping in on the line following a touch from Pau Cubarsi.
Clinical finishing secures strong advantage
The visitors began to settle as the first half progressed, and both Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy had opportunities to level the score. However, Barcelona quickly resumed control after the break, with Lewandowski finishing from close range in the 48th minute. The Polish striker converted Raphinha’s cushioned header after Yamal delivered a teasing cross to the far post.
Dortmund struggled to retain possession under pressure, giving away chances as the hosts pressed high. Fermin struck the woodwork with a low shot before firing the rebound over the crossbar just moments later.
Lewandowski added his second and Barcelona’s third with just under 25 minutes to play, firing past Kobel with a first-time finish after a swift counterattack. Raphinha then equaled Messi’s mark by turning provider again, setting up Yamal for the fourth goal after another break downfield in the 77th minute.
Barcelona dominate despite late push from Dortmund
Though the final score reflected Barcelona’s attacking efficiency, it did not capture the full scope of their control. They registered ten shots on target and dictated possession throughout the contest.
Yamal, making his 20th Champions League start at just 17 years old, created multiple threats on the right wing. While he missed a clear opportunity to assist Lewandowski in the first half and struck wide from a narrow angle, his energy and pace continually troubled Dortmund’s defenders.
Guirassy, Dortmund’s top scorer in Europe this season, was caught offside several times and failed to capitalize when he stayed onside, with Barcelona’s defenders stepping up effectively. Substitute Ronald Araujo made key interventions late on, including a crucial double block as the visitors searched for a lifeline.
Dortmund appeared to have scored a consolation goal near the end when Maximilian Beier finished from Giovanni Reyna’s low pass, but the effort was disallowed for offside. Despite their efforts, the German side faces a daunting task in the second leg on 15 April.
