Brazilian winger Raphinha netted a goal and provided two assists last night to contribute to the woes of Borussia Dortmund in a four nil bashing. With this the Brazilian matched Lionel Messi’s club record for goal contributions in a single Champions League season as Barcelona dominated Borussia Dortmund, taking a strong lead in their quarter-final matchup.
The Brazilian winger netted a goal and provided two assists, bringing his total to 19 goal contributions in this year’s competition, equalling Messi’s achievement from the 2011-12 season.
Raphinha’s 12th goal in Europe this season set the stage for Barcelona’s well-deserved lead in the first half. After the break, Robert Lewandowski scored twice, and Lamine Yamal added a fourth, putting Barcelona firmly on track for the semi-finals.
The home side started aggressively, nearly scoring three times within the first seven minutes, as Yamal and Lewandowski tested Dortmund’s goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, with impressive saves.
Barcelona’s relentless pressure paid off in the 25th minute, albeit with a bit of luck. A free-kick taken by Fermin Lopez, awarded after Karim Adeyemi pulled Jules Kounde’s hair, found Inigo Martinez at the far post, who headed it across the six-yard box. Pau Cubarsi nudged the ball towards the far corner, and Raphinha, just onside, managed to finish it off from close range.
As the half progressed, Dortmund began to find their rhythm, with Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy coming close to scoring as halftime approached.
However, Lewandowski doubled Barcelona’s advantage just three minutes into the second half, converting Raphinha’s header from a Yamal cross, placing the ball into the net from just a yard out.
Dortmund struggled as errors on the ball led to more opportunities for the La Liga leaders. Fermin struck the outside of the post with a powerful shot from 16 yards, only to miss the follow-up a minute later.
Lewandowski sealed the first leg with his 99th goal for Barcelona, finishing a swift counter-attack with a precise first-time shot past Kobel in the 66th minute.
Raphinha equaled Messi’s record by assisting Yamal in the 77th minute, allowing him to score following another quick break.
Barcelona is set to face Dortmund again in Germany for the second leg on Tuesday, April 15.
