Raphinha Nears Lionel Messi’s Historic Barcelona Champions League Record

Barcelona’s dynamic winger Raphinha has been in electrifying form, propelling the Catalan giants to the Champions League quarterfinals. His remarkable performances in both La Liga and Europe have put him on the verge of history.

With two more goals in the second leg of the round of 16, the Brazilian has now netted 11 times in this season’s competition. This achievement makes him the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing legends such as Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Kaka, and Ronaldo.

With Barcelona aiming for European and domestic glory, Raphinha’s incredible run has also sparked discussions about a potential Ballon d’Or nomination. If he maintains his form and helps the club lift the prestigious trophy, his name could be firmly in the conversation for football’s most coveted individual honor.

Chasing Lionel Messi’s Legendary Mark

Lionel Messi set Barcelona’s single-season Champions League goal record in 2011-12, when he found the net 14 times. The Argentine icon also scored 12 goals in both the 2010-11 and 2018-19 campaigns. Raphinha now stands just three goals shy of surpassing Messi’s most prolific UCL season, an accomplishment that would etch his name into the club’s history books.

If he continues his rich vein of form, the Brazilian could soon become Barcelona’s most lethal goal scorer in a single Champions League campaign. Beyond Messi’s record, he has bigger milestones in sight. The ultimate challenge would be catching Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo—the all-time leaders in the competition’s scoring charts.

Hansi Flick’s Influence

Barcelona, now managed by Hansi Flick, has seen a transformation under the German tactician. Flick, who previously led Bayern Munich to a Champions League triumph in 2019-20, brings a high-pressing, attacking philosophy that has revitalized the squad. His tactical tweaks have allowed Raphinha to flourish in a more advanced role, giving him the freedom to exploit spaces.

The upcoming quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund presents a favorable opportunity for Raphinha to continue his scoring spree. If Barcelona progresses, they could face Flick’s former club, Bayern Munich, in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal showdown.

A Favorable Route to the Semifinals

Barcelona’s road to the semifinals appears promising, as they are set to face Borussia Dortmund, who edged past Lille with a 3-2 aggregate victory. Given the Catalan side’s current form and squad depth, they will be favored to progress.

As long as Raphinha stays injury-free and Barcelona maintains their impressive performances, history could soon be rewritten. The Brazilian maestro is edging closer to breaking a record many thought would remain untouched for years. With just a few more goals, he could cement his place among the club’s greatest-ever Champions League performers.

Will Raphinha achieve the unthinkable and surpass Messi’s long-standing record? The next few matches will decide whether the Barcelona winger can carve his own legacy in European football.

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