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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barcelona beat Benfica 3-1</li><li>Achieves Champions League milestone</li><li>Closes in on remarkable Messi record</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Raphinha closes in on remarkable Lionel Messi record with demolition of Benfica in Barcelona's Champions League last-16 triumph

Liga Portugal

Benfica

Arouca

Champions League

Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona

<p>The former Leeds United star was in top form as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-player-ratings-vs-benfica-lamine-yamal-champions-league-masterclass-raphinha/blteea1235904c4e26b" target="_blank">Barca beat Benfica 3-1</a> to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Brazilian now has 11 goals and five assists in this season's competition, which is just three behind Messi's record goal haul for Barca in 2011-12.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Raphinha has previously admitted he <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/6/16/24179217/barcelona-star-raphinha-reveals-he-has-come-close-to-quitting-football-recently" target="_blank">came close to quitting football</a> due to the pressures and difficulties he has faced during his career. Now, however, he is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/raphinha-revived-barcelona-lift-brazil-struggling-selecao-search-answers-world-cup-qualifying/blt241fe7615836d158" target="_blank">Barcelona's captain</a> and is putting together a season that is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ballon-dor-2025-power-rankings/bltd009fae5576d751f" target="_blank">Ballon d'Or worthy</a>. And the Blaugrana's dream of another Champions League title is still thanks in no small part to his efforts.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Per Opta, Raphinha has now scored more goals in a single Champions League campaign than any other Brazilian. That list includes greats such as Kaka, Rivaldo, and Neymar.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">The most goals by a Brazilian player in a UEFA Champions League season:<br><br>Raphinha - 11 in 2024-25<br>Kaká - 10 in 2006-07<br>Rivaldo - 10 in 1999-00<br>Jardel - 10 in 1999-00<br>Roberto Firmino - 10 in 2017-18  <br>Neymar - 10 in 2014-15 <a href="https://t.co/5Odb1rV4Jn">pic.twitter.com/5Odb1rV4Jn</a></p>— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1899530776062079478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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DID YOU KNOW?

<p>La Liga leaders Barca will need Raphinha to be on top form on Sunday when they travel to third-placed Atletico Madrid. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RAPHINHA?

Raphinha closes in on remarkable Lionel Messi record with demolition of Benfica in Barcelona's Champions League last-16 triumph | Goal.com

Raphinha is closing in on a remarkable Lionel Messi record after bagging two goals and an assist in Barcelona&apos;s Champions League win over Benfica.

Raphinha closes in on remarkable Lionel Messi record with demolition of Benfica in Barcelona&apos;s Champions League last-16 triumph

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