In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Barcelona demolished Bayern Munich 4-1 in their Champions League clash at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night. The hero of the hour was Brazilian winger Raphinha, who marked his 100th appearance for the Catalan club with a superb hat-trick that left the German champions shell-shocked.
The result was especially sweet for Barça fans, who had endured a series of humiliating defeats to Bayern in recent years, including the infamous 8-2 drubbing in 2020. But under new manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona look a transformed side, playing with intensity, dynamism and no shortage of quality.
Raphinha Runs Riot
Raphinha set the tone just seconds into the match, latching onto a through ball and rounding Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to slot home. Harry Kane briefly drew Bayern level, but Barcelona responded with a scintillating spell either side of half-time.
First, Raphinha expertly controlled a Marc Casadó pass before curling a sublime effort into the top corner from the edge of the box. Minutes after the restart, the 25-year-old Brazilian chested down a ball from 17-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal and lashed an unstoppable shot past Neuer to complete a perfect hat-trick.
“Raphinha is a very good example of how the team works,” Flick said post-match. “He plays with a lot of intensity…he’s very important for us.”
The Brazilian certainly seems to be thriving under Flick’s guidance, having already scored nine goals this season after netting just ten in each of his previous two campaigns at the Camp Nou.
Youth Shines Through
Barça’s performance was about more than just Raphinha though. All over the pitch, Flick’s men dominated their illustrious opponents with a potent blend of youthful verve and technical mastery.
In midfield, homegrown duo Pedri and Casadó, both just 21, were magnificent, controlling the tempo and carving Bayern open time and again. The likes of Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, still only 17, underlined the talent coming through La Masia.
Perfect Timing
The victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Barcelona, as they prepare for Saturday’s season-defining Clásico against bitter rivals Real Madrid. A win at the Bernabéu would see Barça open up a six point lead over Los Blancos at the top of LaLiga.
On this evidence, Flick’s men will travel to the capital brimming with confidence. The fluid attacking interplay, intense high pressing and defensive solidity on show against Bayern were hallmarks of a team hitting their stride at the perfect moment.
“If you’re not bouncing, you’re a Madrid fan,” chanted the ecstatic Barça fans after the final whistle, as the players threw Raphinha in the air in celebration.
Ominous Form
Real Madrid, who themselves came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 on Tuesday thanks to a Vinícius Júnior hat-trick, will certainly have taken notice of their arch-rivals’ ominous form.
But Barcelona will be determined to lay down a marker and demonstrate that they are the team to beat this season, both domestically and in Europe. With Raphinha in this kind of irresistible form and a squad packed with prodigious young talents, you wouldn’t bet against them doing just that.
As for Bayern, this chastening defeat leaves them with much to ponder. The six-time European champions have now lost two on the bounce in the Champions League and trail unbeaten Group C leaders Dinamo Zagreb. Boss Vincent Kompany has impressed in the Bundesliga but evidently has work to do to translate that to the continental stage.
On a night that will live long in the memory for Barcelona fans, one thing is crystal clear: Flick’s Barça are a force to be reckoned with. Over to you, Real Madrid.
