By Ellis Kweta
Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the Champions League, defeating Bayern Munich 4-1 on Wednesday, with Raphinha stealing the show. The Brazilian winger marked his 100th appearance for the club in spectacular fashion, netting a stunning hat-trick and leading his side to a convincing victory.
This win not only breaks Barcelona’s six-game losing streak against the German giants but also elevates their prospects in the tournament after years of frustration.
Dominating Performance by Raphinha and Lewandowski
Barcelona’s blistering start saw Raphinha scoring in the opening minute after a clever pass from Fermin Lopez. The Brazilian, who also captained the team for the match, showed composure, dribbling around Bayern’s keeper Manuel Neuer before calmly slotting the ball into the net. Robert Lewandowski, the former Bayern striker, also found the back of the net, continuing his impressive form this season under coach Hansi Flick.
Bayern’s Harry Kane responded with a well-taken goal from Serge Gnabry’s cross, but their momentum couldn’t match Barcelona’s attacking firepower. Raphinha’s relentless performance culminated in a second goal before half-time, driving a superb effort past Bayern’s defense. He completed his hat-trick in the second half, expertly controlling a pass from Lamine Yamal before hammering a shot into the bottom corner.
The defeat leaves Bayern Munich with just one win from their first three group-stage matches, placing them in a precarious position. Despite their early pressure and Kane’s goal, Bayern’s defense was repeatedly exposed by Barcelona’s high-tempo attacks. Coach Vincent Kompany made multiple substitutions, including bringing on Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman, but they were unable to turn things around against a dominant Barcelona side.
Barcelona’s victory serves as a potential turning point as the team looks to end nearly a decade of disappointment in the Champions League. Under Flick’s leadership, optimism is growing in Catalonia that they might reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
Preparations for El Clasico
Barcelona’s emphatic win sets the stage for a thrilling El Clasico against Real Madrid this weekend. Both teams will enter the clash with confidence, as Madrid’s Vinicius Junior also scored a hat-trick in their victory over Borussia Dortmund. The two Brazilian stars are set to take center stage in what promises to be an exciting showdown in La Liga comes Saturday.
With this result, Barcelona remains in the top half of the UEFA Champions League group table, poised to advance to the knockout stages of the competition, while Bayern faces an uphill battle to stay in contention.