- It is a record that has stood since the 2011-12 season of the Champions League
- Raphinha equalled it in a thumping victory for Barcelona against Dortmund
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Raphinha equalled a remarkable record previously set by Lionel Messi as Barcelona thumped Borussia Dortmund 4-0 to take control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The Brazilian scored twice and set up two more to reach 19 goal involvements in Europe’s top competition.
It marked the first time that such a feat that has been achieved since Messi did so in the 2011-12 season.
Raphinha put Barcelona ahead after 25 minutes, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice after the interval to put the Blaugrana in control.
Lamine Yamal virtually sealed the fate of the tie at its halfway stage as he netted with 13 minutes remaining thanks to a second assist from Raphinha.
Hansi Flick’s side dominated proceedings and, if anything, it was a surprise that they took so long to open the scoring.
Raphinha celebrates Barcelona’s third goal on the night, which was scored by Robert Lewandowski
Raphinha put Barcelona ahead after 25 minutes in a game his team dominated throughout
Barcelona’s dangerous attacking trio of Raphinha, Yamal and Lewandowski were a tconstant threat
Both Yamal and Lewandowski had presentable opportunities to score inside the first ten minutes, but were denied by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The home side then took the lead just after the midway point of the first half after Raphinha managed to stay onside to slide home from barely a yard out.
Given the final scoreline, Dortmund will look back on chances for Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy before half-time as missed opportunities to keep the encounter alive.
They were duly made to pay after Barca’s second involved all of their potent attacking trio of Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha.
It saw the Pole poke home from Raphinha’s header across the box after Yamal’s cross.
Flick’s men were nothing but deserving of their four-goal buffer come full-time, defending their lead with determination despite periods of pressure from the visitors.
After coming on as a substitute, Ronald Araujo produced two brave blocks in succession in the closing moments of the game.
While Dortmund thought they had pulled a goal back before the final whistle through Maximilian Beier, their hopes were short-lived after it was chalked out for offside.
Barcelona travel to Germany for the return leg next week, with the game taking place on April 15.
