Raphinha equals Lionel Messi’s record in Champions League

Barcelona winger Raphinha has equalled Lionel Messi’s for goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign after thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday night.

A goal and two assists from the Brazilian forward helped to reach 19 goal involvements in the competition in the campaign, the same as Messi achieved in the 2011-12 season.

The 28-year-old’s 12th European goal of the season gave Barcelona a deserved first-half lead before Robert Lewandowski hit the back of the net twice after the break.

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Lamine Yamal added a fourth to put the Spanish side on course for the semi-finals.

Raphinha and Yamal caused the German side endless problems on the flanks, although the latter wasn’t quite at his lethal best.

Raphinha matched Messi’s record by sliding the ball across for Yamal to finish in the 77th minute following another devastating break.

In his four years with Barcelona, the former Leeds United has scored 28 goals and has 13 assists in as many as 123 appearances.

Barcelona will travel to Germany for the second leg on Tuesday, 15 April.

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