In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Barcelona's Raphinha made history by equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most goal contributions in a single UEFA Champions League season during the semifinal second leg against Inter Milan on May 6, 2025. With a late strike in the 87th minute, Raphinha's goal marked his 21st contribution of the campaign, comprising 13 goals and 8 assists, thus tying Ronaldo's record set during Real Madrid's 2013-14 season.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, as Inter Milan initially surged ahead with a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime. However, Barcelona showcased their resilience, rallying back in the second half to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw, which forced the game into extra time. Raphinha's crucial goal not only helped the team equalize but also solidified his status as one of the breakout stars of the 2024-25 season.
Raphinha's achievement is particularly notable as he surpassed Lionel Messi's previous record of 19 goal contributions in a single Champions League season, which included 14 goals and 5 assists during the 2011-12 campaign. Moreover, he outperformed his teammate Robert Lewandowski, who had also recorded 21 contributions in the 2019-20 season with Bayern Munich, when they claimed the title.
As the Brazilian winger continues to shine on the European stage, he is now poised to challenge for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. His current tally of 31 goals and 22 assists across all competitions further underscores his pivotal role in Barcelona's resurgence as a formidable force in world football.
Reflecting on his journey this season, Raphinha expressed gratitude for the support from his new head coach, Hansi Flick. After a challenging period under former manager Xavi Hernández, where he felt undervalued, Raphinha found renewed confidence under Flick's leadership. "He is someone who looks out for all the players, those that are playing and those that are not playing," Raphinha stated, highlighting the positive impact of the coaching change.
With Barcelona already having secured the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, the team is now focused on clinching the La Liga title and making a deep run in the Champions League. Raphinha's contributions have been instrumental in this success, and the team is looking forward to the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, where a victory could extend their lead at the top of the table.
Raphinha's performance not only cements his place in Champions League history but also serves as a testament to Barcelona's commitment to reclaiming their status among Europe's elite clubs. As they prepare for potential glory in the remaining matches of the season, all eyes will be on Raphinha and his teammates to see if they can secure a historic treble.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating semifinal clash, Raphinha's record-equalling feat has certainly set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Champions League season. Fans and pundits alike will be eager to see if he can break the all-time record for goal contributions in a single season, adding another chapter to his already remarkable career.
