Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the UEFA Champions League Thriller, dismantling Bayern Munich 4-1 with Raphinha scoring a magnificent hat-trick at the Olympic Stadium.
The Brazilian winger, making his 100th appearance for the Catalans and wearing the captain’s armband, opened the scoring within the first minute. After being released by Fermin Lopez, Raphinha showed composure to round Manuel Neuer and slot home, ending Barcelona’s four-match goalless run against the German giants.
Harry Kane briefly restored parity for Bayern, converting Serge Gnabry’s cross with an acrobatic finish in the 18th minute after having an earlier effort ruled out for offside. However, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick – who ironically oversaw Bayern’s 8-2 victory over the Catalans in 2020 – soon reasserted their dominance.
Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead following excellent work from Lopez, who cleverly outmaneuvered Kim Min-jae before setting up the Polish striker. The 36-year-old’s clinical finish marked his 15th goal in 13 appearances this season, highlighting his resurgence under Flick’s management.
Raphinha added his second before halftime with a sublime effort, receiving Marc Casado’s pass before firing through Dayot Upamecano’s legs beyond a full-stretch Neuer. The Brazilian completed his hat-trick ten minutes after the restart, controlling Lamine Yamal’s ambitious pass on his chest while sprinting before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany responded with a quadruple substitution, introducing Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Leon Goretzka, but the damage was already done. The home crowd reveled in their team’s dominance, cheering each pass as Barcelona controlled the closing stages.
The victory puts Barcelona in ninth place in the Champions League standings with six points from three matches, while Bayern Munich sits in 23rd position with just three points after suffering their second consecutive defeat in the competition after the Champions League Thriller.
This emphatic win comes at a perfect time for Barcelona, who face Real Madrid in a crucial La Liga Clasico this weekend. For Bayern, the defeat raises concerns as they have managed just one victory from their opening three group games.
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