Raphinha, the Brazilian forward currently dazzling fans with his performances, seems to be on an exceptional trajectory in this season’s UEFA Champions League. His efforts culminated in a crucial moment during Barcelona’s semi-final second-leg clash against Internazionale. In a game marked by tension and drama, Raphinha found himself in the right place at the right time, scoring a critical goal that leveled the aggregate score at 5-5 with just three minutes left in regulation.
With the match entering its dying moments, Raphinha received the ball in space on the left wing. His initial attempt at goal was thwarted by Internazionale’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, but the Brazilian quickly regrouped, expertly composing himself to slot the ball low into the bottom-right corner. This moment could very well have been the decisive factor in what was turning into a nail-biting encounter, showcasing Raphinha’s ability to stay calm under pressure and find the net when his team needed him most.
This impressive performance places Raphinha among elite company in the annals of Champions League history. He now joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona team-mate Robert Lewandowski as the only players to have surpassed the 20-goal mark in a single UEFA Champions League season. The notable milestone reinforces his status as one of the standout players of the tournament, especially impressive considering the foot-high expectations in comparison to legends like Lionel Messi, who, during the 2011/12 season, registered 19 goal contributions.
The list of other noteworthy competitors, such as Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (2017/18), Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (2021/22), and Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy (2024/25), reveals just how competitive scoring in this prestigious tournament can be. Yet, Raphinha’s tally of 21 goal involvements puts him firmly at the pinnacle of this elite group, which emphasizes just how impactful he’s been over the course of the competition.
Raphinha’s journey at Barcelona, however, has not always been straightforward. Under the previous regime, managed by Xavi, he often found himself in and out of the starting lineup. However, the tides turned dramatically with the arrival of Hansi Flick as the manager. The German tactician has undoubtedly reinvigorated Raphinha’s form; he has not only excelled in Europe but has also been instrumental in La Liga, contributing 16 goals and nine assists as Barcelona steers towards potential title glory.
Flick’s faith in Raphinha is evident, as he has publicly praised his contributions, describing the forward as a “leader” who fosters a positive mindset among teammates. Such recognition from the coaching staff is pivotal for Raphinha’s confidence and sets the tone for his ongoing development within the team.
In the broader context of football-related viewership, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal on May 7 at 20:00 UK time. For those wishing to catch the action live, coverage will begin at 19:00 on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. TNT Sports remains widely accessible across major television networks, offering viewers an impressive array of up to four dedicated sports channels alongside several digital options.
Fans interested in accessing TNT Sports programming can subscribe via various platforms such as discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. Additionally, finding local establishments showing the match can be easily done with the help of the Pub Finder Tool.
For fans looking to stream Champions League matches live, discovery+ serves as the all-encompassing platform for TNT Sports in the UK, combining sports viewing with entertainment in one convenient location. This modern option provides supporters with greater accessibility to one of the most thrilling competitions in world football, embodying the spirit and excitement that matches like Raphinha’s recent performance exemplify.
In conclusion, Raphinha’s rising prominence not only enhances Barcelona’s hopes in both domestic and European competitions but also captures the fascination of football fans around the globe, reflecting the dramatic narratives that sports continuously offer.
