In Barcelona’s stunning 4-1 victory over the Bundesliga champions, Raphinha delivered a stellar performance, becoming only the fourth player to score three goals against Bayern in Europe’s top competition, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Aguero.
Raphinha wasted no time at all, scoring his first goal just 60 seconds into the match at Camp Nou. His second came right before the halftime whistle, and he completed his hat-trick with a well-placed finish in the 59th minute, securing the match ball and helping Barcelona secure a dominant win.
The Brazilian’s goals were crucial in overpowering Bayern, who briefly levelled the score through Harry Kane.
This exceptional feat puts Raphinha in elite company, as only three others have managed to score a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Ronaldo last accomplished this in 2017 while playing for Real Madrid, Aguero did so for Manchester City in 2014, and Dutch forward Roy Makaay first achieved it for Deportivo La Coruna in 2002.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was full of praise for his star forward after the match, saying, “He always has a good attitude in training and in matches. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”
Barcelona now turns their attention to La Liga, where they face arch-rivals Real Madrid in an eagerly anticipated Clasico on Saturday.