Barcelona secured a resounding 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated Champions League group-stage encounter on Wednesday, with Brazilian winger Raphinha stealing the spotlight by scoring a stunning hat-trick. This victory marked the Catalan side’s first triumph over Bayern after six consecutive defeats, signaling their resurgence under coach Hansi Flick.
The match, played at the Olympic Stadium, saw Barcelona dominate the six-time European champions, with Robert Lewandowski also finding the back of the net. Bayern’s Harry Kane provided the lone goal for the German side, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their second defeat in three group games.
Barcelona’s victory was particularly significant as it avenged the humiliating 8-2 loss inflicted by Bayern in 2020, when Flick was managing the Bundesliga side. Now at the helm of the Catalans, Flick’s influence has been transformative, and Barcelona looks capable of challenging for their first Champions League title since 2015.
Raphinha, reflecting on the monumental win, told Movistar, “In my opinion, this game could have been a [Champions League] final. To win it in this way, so well, in front of our fans, is quite special, and I leave here happy.”
He added, “Getting the second victory in the Champions League was important, and now we have to think about the game on Saturday.”
Barcelona’s spectacular performance also sets the stage for their upcoming El Clásico clash against Real Madrid in La Liga this weekend.
The game started explosively for Barcelona, who took the lead within the first minute. Midfielder Fermin Lopez, making his first start of the season, sent Raphinha clear past Bayern’s defense. The Brazilian calmly rounded Manuel Neuer to open the scoring, celebrating his 100th appearance for the club in style.
Harry Kane had a chance to equalize but was denied by Barcelona keeper Inaki Pena. However, Bayern’s persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Kane acrobatically finished a Serge Gnabry cross to level the score.
Barcelona soon regained control. Lopez, showcasing his energy and creativity, set up Lewandowski for Barcelona’s second, leaving Bayern’s Kim Min-jae struggling to keep up. Lewandowski’s goal marked his 15th of the season, a testament to his resurgence under Flick.
Raphinha then delivered a masterclass, scoring two more goals to complete his hat-trick. His second was a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside and driving the ball past Neuer. The third came after a beautiful chest control and a rasping shot into the bottom corner.
Despite late substitutions by Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, including bringing on stars like Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman, Barcelona’s lead remained intact as their fans cheered every pass in the final stages.
With this victory, Barcelona moves to the top third of their group, while Bayern lingers near the bottom, having secured just one win in three games. As belief grows in Barcelona’s ability to compete with Europe’s elite, Hansi Flick’s side appears poised to make a deep run in the competition.
