Barcelona forward Raphinha expressed that Wednesday’s impressive 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League was a form of “revenge” for the club’s fans, aiming to make up for previous losses against the German powerhouse.
Raphinha shone with a hat-trick in his 100th appearance for Barça, helping to break a streak of six consecutive defeats to Bayern in the competition.
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Although the Brazilian was only present for two of those games and had not yet joined Barça when they suffered an 8-2 loss to Bayern in 2020, he felt the weight of those losses as a supporter.
“It was revenge for the fans, I believe,” Raphinha stated after the match. “As players, we tend to focus on the next game rather than dwelling on the past. But I experienced those defeats as a fan as well.
“Scoring a hat-trick on my 100th game for the club on such an exceptional night is truly special to me. I am thrilled with our performance and the way we played.
“The team played exceptionally well, and that is the most significant thing for me. Securing a second win in the Champions League was crucial.”
Both Barça and Bayern approached the game at the Olympic Stadium with one victory and one loss in the current season’s Champions League, emphasizing the importance of not dropping points amidst uncertainties about qualifying under the new format.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the first minute, but Harry Kane equalized for Bayern with his 14th goal of the season across all competitions.
Robert Lewandowski restored Barça’s lead before halftime, and two more goals from Raphinha in either half secured Barça the victory in a match that felt like a final to the former Leeds United player.
“I mentioned before the game that this could have been a Champions League final,” he added. “While not everyone might agree, I personally believe it had that aura.
“To win in this manner, especially in front of our fans, is indeed special, and I am overjoyed.”
Raphinha, who led Barça in the game, has now amassed nine goals and six assists in all competitions in his third season with the Blaugrana. He was awarded the MVP title by UEFA for his stellar performance.
“I will dedicate the MVP award to my son; it will be another trophy for him, although he prefers match balls,” he jested. “It’s a recognition of what I can achieve in the Champions League. Ever since I signed, I have dreamt of nights like these: scoring goals, playing these games, and making an impact.”
The victory sets Barça up perfectly for their upcoming clash against Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season on Saturday. A win at the Santiago Bernabéu could potentially establish a six-point lead at the top of the table.
Coach Hansi Flick, who led Bayern during their 8-2 defeat four years ago, praised an “incredible” win against his former team but remained cautious about Barça’s Champions League prospects, looking ahead to the match against Madrid.
“No, it’s too early; we’re just at the beginning of the season,” he said at a press conference when asked if the result positions Barça as genuine contenders for the trophy. “We have a long journey ahead in LaLiga and the Champions League. We take it one game at a time. While we are incredibly proud of tonight’s result, the focus shifts to another tough game on Saturday.
“We aim to deliver another top-notch performance. It’s a remarkable result against a fantastic team that boosts our confidence for Saturday. I am immensely proud of the team, witnessing their joy and celebrations.”
For Bayern, it was a different tale as they suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Champions League after falling to Aston Villa in their previous match.
Coach Vincent Kompany had few complaints about the result but noted that there were moments, particularly around Kane’s equalizer, where he felt his team could have turned the game in their favor.
“I think we all sensed at the start and in the first half that we could turn the game around and win,” Kompany shared at a press conference. “However, we were outdone in crucial moments, resulting in the heavy defeat. We need to learn from this encounter to come back stronger in our next opportunities.”
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Conclusion:
The electrifying clash between Barcelona and Bayern Munich showcased the thrilling essence of football, with Barcelona emerging victorious and Raphinha stealing the show with a remarkable hat-trick. The game was not just a victory for Barça on the scoreboard but also a sweet redemption for their devoted fans who had endured past defeats against the German giants. As Raphinha and his teammates basked in the glory of their triumph, the football world witnessed the sheer passion and skill that make the sport so captivating. With more exhilarating encounters on the horizon, the footballing saga continues, promising fans more heart-stopping moments and unforgettable memories to cherish forever.
