Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring his side's 5th goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Valladolid at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Brazilian Sensational Raphael Dias Belloli, popularly known as Raphinha, has Becomes just the fourth player to register a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in Champions League competition.
Raphinha, led Barcelona to an incredible 4:1 victory over Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. It took less than 60 seconds for Raphinha to make his intentions clear in the game. He got the first goal under 1 minute into game. Bayern’s goal poacher, Harry Kane, equalized on the 18th minute after having a goal ruled out by VAR on the 11th minute.
However, Harry Kane’s goal was all Bayern Munich could afford in the game as additional two goals from Raphael Dias Belloli and a goal from Fermín López Marín sealed Bayern’s fate at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Raphinha after the game said, he is happy for the team and will now have to think about El Clásico,
“Very happy night for what we did. We played a very good game as a team, which is the most important for me. Now we have to think about the next game, on Saturday, and prepare well.
“Yesterday I said this game for sure could be a (Champions League) final. To be able to win like this, play so well, in front of our fans, is so special. We are so happy.” He said.
Raphinha’s three goals against Bayern Munich means he is just the fought player to register a hat-trick against The Bavarians in the UEFA Champions League.
Raphinha’s remarkable performance was a testament to his growth as a player and his adaptability in the Barcelona setup. The 26-year-old forward has been in scintillating form for Barcelona, consistently delivering moments of magic that have left opponents and fans alike in awe.
He has contributed to a total of 15 goals in 13 games this season for the Culers, which is 1.16 goal involvement per game. Raphinha has 5 goals and 5 assists in 10 La Liga games as well as 4 goals and 1 assist in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Rudolphus Antonius Makaay, popularly known as Roy Makaay was the first player to win a match ball against the Bayern during his playing days Deportivo La Coruna in September 2002, before joining Bayern Munich in 2003.
Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo bagged a hat-trick for Manchester City versus Bayern in November 2014, becoming the second player to achieve that feat.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, joined the party in 2017 and Raphinha, through his magnificent performance last Wednesday has earned a spot in the elite Champions League hat-trick players against Bayern Munich.
Raphinha’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant victory for Barcelona. The win against Bayern Munich solidifies their position in the League phase and demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
Barca will be playing away to Real Madrid come Saturday, 25th October, 2024 at the Santiago Bernabéu and their fans will be praying for more of the same from Raphinha.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
