Champions League

Raphinha equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League all-time record in Barcelona’s defeat to Inter

Despite Barcelona’s loss to Inter Milan, Brazilian star Raphinha has made history by matching an historic Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in the competition.

Raphinha celebrates his goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals
© Carl Recine/Getty ImagesRaphinha celebrates his goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals

Barcelona might not have reached the UEFA Champions League final after losing 4-3 to Inter Milan in the second leg of the semifinals, Raphinha made history by equalling a Cristiano Ronaldo’s record, one that not even Lionel Messi could reach.

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With his goal against Inter, the Brazilian star reached 21 goals involvements (13 goals, 8 assists) in a single Champions League campaign. It’s the same number that Ronaldo achieved in the 2013-14 season (17 goals and four assists).

Robert Lewandowski, who was absent from today’s match, also amassed 21 goal contributions in a single campaign, with 15 goals and six assists as Bayern Munich won the Champions League in the 2019/20 season.

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Raphinha is consoled by Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale after his team’s 4-3 defeat (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Raphinha is consoled by Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale after his team’s 4-3 defeat (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s most goals contributions in a single Champions League campaign were 19, which he reached in the 2011-12 season with Barcelona. In that season, the Argentine star scored 14 goals and registered five assists.

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Barcelona could not complete their comeback vs Inter Milan

The Blaugranas were close to reaching the final after Raphinha scored at the 87th minute, giving the visitors the advantage of 3-2, after coming back from a 2-0 deficit in the first half. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo scored in the second half to match Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu’s goals.

However, Francesco Acerbi crushed their hopes with a goal at stoppage time (90+3’), and in the extra time, Davide Frattesi certified the win (99’). Inter won the series with a 7-6 scoring on aggregate, in one of the most contending clashes in the competition in recent memory.

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Raphinha’s numbers with Barcelona this season

This season, Raphinha has been one of the most consistent players under Hansi Flick. The Brazilian star has been a key factor for Barcelona’s successes this season, which already include two titles, with Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

Across all competitions, he has tallied 32 goals and 25 assists. In LaLiga, which Barcelona are leading currently, he has scored 16 goals and added 11 assists in 32 appearances. In the Copa del Rey, he contributed with one goal and four assists.

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