Raphinha scored a sensational hat trick as Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in a blockbuster Champions League showdown on Wednesday.
After six straight defeats to the German giants, Barça lastly turned the tables on the Olympic Stadium, with Robert Lewandowski including to the tally, whereas Bayern’s Harry Kane netted a comfort objective.
Hansi Flick, who oversaw Bayern’s notorious 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in 2020, now masterminded this commanding victory for the Catalans, reigniting hopes of their first Champions League title since 2015 after years of frustration.
The defeat leaves Bayern with just one victory from their opening three group video games and within the backside half of the desk, whereas Barcelona have two wins and are within the prime third.
“In my opinion, this game could have been a (Champions League) final. To be able to win it in this way, so well, in front of our fans, is quite special, and I leave here happy,” Raphinha instructed Movistar.
“Getting the second victory in the Champions League was important, and now we have to think about the game on Saturday.”
Barcelona go to European and Spanish champions Real Madrid in a La Liga Clasico this weekend, warming up for it in spectacular model.
“If you win this type of game, you have to celebrate it, and for the team, it’s incredible,” stated Flick. “It gives us confidence to believe in ourselves ahead of Saturday.”
Barcelona had not scored of their final 4 matches towards Bayern, however they have been forward inside one minute, with Fermin Lopez enjoying Raphinha in behind the guests’ excessive line.
The Brazilian winger, on his one centesimal look for the membership since becoming a member of from Leeds and proudly sporting the captain’s armband, stayed cool to dribble round Manuel Neuer and roll the ball residence.
Bayern poured ahead in response, and after having a objective dominated out for a decent offside, Kane struck within the 18th minute to stage the rating. The striker completed acrobatically from Serge Gnabry’s inviting cross with Barcelona’s protection all at sea.
Relentless Raphinha
Barcelona recovered their composure and commenced to threaten, with former Bayern striker Lewandowski firing extensive and Lamine Yamal sliding in to deal with Neuer however seeing the ball roll past the submit.
Joshua Kimmich was booked for taking out Lopez, who was charging into house in Bayern territory.
The Barcelona midfielder, a ball of vitality, created his crew’s second objective for Lewandowski. Lopez left Kim Min-jae for lifeless with a intelligent nudge, which Bayern complained about to no avail, earlier than knocking the ball throughout for Lewandowski to show residence.
The veteran Polish striker, 36, has been the chief beneficiary of Flick’s arrival after struggling final season and now has 15 objectives in 13 appearances.
The unstoppable Raphinha rattled residence an excellent third earlier than the interval, driving into the realm after Marc Casado unfold the play out to the left flank and arcing a shot by way of Dayot Upamecano’s legs and past the attain of Neuer at full stretch.
Raphinha accomplished his hat trick 10 minutes into the second half, controlling Yamal’s bold cross brilliantly on his chest whereas on the dash, earlier than planting a rasping effort into the underside proper nook from the sting of the field.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reacted with a quadruple substitution, bringing on Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Leon Goretzka.
At 4-1 up, Barcelona’s followers started to cheer their crew’s passes as Bayern chased the ball.
“For the fans, I think it was revenge,” stated Raphinha, reflecting on Barca’s previous defeats to Bayern. “As a fan, I suffered through those games too.”
The winger was thrown into the air by his teammates at full-time, clutching his match ball.
Having not reached the Champions League semifinals since 2019, perception is beginning to develop in Catalonia that Flick might assist restore their place amongst Europe’s elite.
Bayern, semifinalists final season, have been left licking their wounds.
“The whole team gave 100%. So there’s no question about effort, but 100% was not enough today,” admitted Kompany. “(In the first half) it felt like we could edge this game, that it could turn for us. But in key moments, we got outdone, and for that reason, the result is fairly heavy.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com