Raphinha Breaks Neymar’s Champions League Record as Barcelona Triumphs
Mar 12, 2025 by
Transferhunt News
• 3 minute read
Raphinha's brace vs. Benfica takes his UCL tally to 11, breaking Neymar's record. Barcelona advances, eyeing European glory once more.
Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica on Tuesday, with Raphinha once again proving his worth on the European stage. The Brazilian forward netted twice, further solidifying his exceptional season and setting records previously held by footballing legends.
A Historic Champions League Performance
Raphinha’s brace in the second leg of the knockout round lifted his tally to an astounding 11 goals in this season’s Champions League campaign. He had already been decisive in the first leg, scoring the lone goal in Barcelona’s narrow win over Benfica. On Tuesday, he opened the scoring at Montjuic before Nicolas Otamendi equalized for the visitors. Lamine Yamal then restored Barcelona’s lead with a stunning strike, and Raphinha sealed the victory to ensure progression to the quarter-finals.
Breaking Brazilian Records
Raphinha now stands alone as the most prolific Brazilian goal scorer in a single Champions League campaign. Previously, Neymar had held the record with ten goals during Barcelona’s treble-winning 2014/15 season. Raphinha’s incredible form has sparked discussions about Barcelona’s chances of reclaiming European glory. “I think we're contenders to win it all,” he confidently stated after the match.
Barcelona’s Resurgence in European Football
The Catalan giants have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent seasons. Once struggling to make an impact in Europe—having been demoted to the Europa League and failing to progress past the group stage in 2021/22—Barcelona now leads La Liga and remains in contention for multiple trophies. They are set to face either Lille or Borussia Dortmund in the next round and have a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid with the aggregate score tied at 4-4.
Comparisons to Messi and Neymar
The last Barcelona player to score double-digit goals in a single Champions League campaign was Lionel Messi, who netted 12 in 2018/19. Raphinha’s numbers place him in the company of prime Neymar and Messi, a testament to his growing influence on the team. With manager Hansi Flick even tipping him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, Raphinha’s meteoric rise continues to captivate football fans worldwide.
FAQs: Raphinha’s Champions League Feat
How many goals has Raphinha scored in the Champions League this season?
Raphinha has scored 12 goals in the competition so far, surpassing Neymar’s previous record for a Brazilian in a single campaign.
Who previously held the Brazilian record for Champions League goals in one season?
Neymar set the record with ten goals in the 2014/15 season when Barcelona won the treble.
What records has Raphinha broken with Barcelona?
He is now the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Champions League campaign and the first Barcelona player since Messi in 2018/19 to hit double-digit goals in Europe.
Is Barcelona a favorite to win the Champions League?
With their strong performances and Raphinha’s form, Barcelona is seen as a strong contender for the title.
Who will Barcelona face in the next round?
Barcelona will take on either Lille or Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.
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