Barcelona's Raphinha Shines with Two Goals Against Benfica
Barcelona advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, fueled by Raphinha's stellar performance, as he scored twice during the thrilling match held at Montjuïc Stadium on March 11, 2025.
The match, part of the round of 16 for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, was filled with excitement as Barcelona played with unwavering confidence. Fans flocked to the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere to support their team. It took just 11 minutes for the Brazilian wonderkid to make his mark; Raphinha opened the scoring with a well-placed goal after receiving a precise pass from teammate Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha continued to dazzle on the pitch, displaying impressive skills and prowess, helping bolster Barcelona's position within the tournament. His second goal of the night, which also turned out to be the team's third, came just before halftime, with the 42nd-minute strike sealing his impressive brace under the guidance of manager Hans Flick. This contribution raised Raphinha's tally to 11 goals this season, placing him atop the Champions League's scoring leaderboard.
“It was incredible to score and help my team progress,” Raphinha noted. “Every game is important for our confidence and aims for the title.” The star's performances have undeniably highlighted his importance to the squad during these decisive moments of the Champions League. His consistent contributions have become integral to Barcelona’s aspirations.
Meanwhile, Raphinha's teammate, Harry Kane, also had much reason to celebrate. The famed striker found the back of the net as Bayern Munich triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in their second-leg match of the same round. This result not only secured Bayern's spot in the next round but also saw Kane become the first English player to net ten goals during a single UEFA Champions League season. Kane's initial goal came within the opening exchanges of the match, showcasing his elite finishing abilities.
“I’m proud to reach such milestones and contribute to the team,” Kane expressed post-match. “It’s all about teamwork, and I couldn’t have done this without my teammates.” Bayern Munich’s significant victory bolstered their standing as formidable contenders for the Champions League trophy.
For Raphinha and Kane, their impressive goal-scoring feats have highlighted their respective teams’ attacking prowess, reinforcing both Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s ambitions for glory. With Raphinha leading the charts, the standings for Champions League top scorers are as follows:
- 1- Raphinha, Barcelona, 11 goals
- 2- Serhou Guirassy, Borussia Dortmund, 10 goals
- 3- Harry Kane, Bayern Munich, 10 goals
- 4- Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona, 9 goals
- 5- Erling Haaland, Manchester City, 8 goals
- 6- Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 7 goals
- 7- Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid, 7 goals
- 8- Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid, 7 goals
- 9- Fangilis Pavlidis, Benfica, 7 goals
- 10- Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid, 6 goals
The excitement doesn't stop there, as more thrilling matches await interested fans today. On March 12, 2025, the highly-anticipated Madrid derby will see Real Madrid face off against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Fans are eager for what promises to be another intense chapter of this storied rivalry.
With the round of 16 nearing completion, the competition is heating up, and clubs are poised for glory as they advance toward the coveted Champions League trophy. The anticipation builds as stars like Raphinha and Kane continue to reshape their narratives on the European football stage.
Meanwhile, Liverpool had their own heartbreaking experience as they exited the tournament at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, succumbing to a penalty shootout after finishing level on aggregate 1-1 across both legs. Liverpool's coach commented on the loss, stating, “I believe it was the best football match we played. I can say we performed perfectly except for not scoring goals.”
With the tournament field narrowing, each game holds significance, and every match day presents opportunities for players to shine and make history. The Champions League continues to be the ultimate proving ground for the world’s elite footballers.