FC Barcelona is witnessing one of the best versions of Raphinha, who, alongside Robert Lewandowski, has formed a formidable attacking duo striking fear across Europe. The Brazilian’s stellar season in the UEFA Champions League now places him among the elite, as he matches one of the finest performances by a Brazilian player in the tournament’s history.

Raphinha Reaches Kaká’s Champions League Benchmark

The Barça winger has now been directly involved in 13 goal contributions this Champions League campaign, equaling the best tally recorded by Kaká during his time at AC Milan. The Brazilian legend registered 10 goals and three assists in his most dominant season with the Rossoneri, leading them to European glory.

Currently, Raphinha has nine goals and four assists (13 total), putting him just four behind Roberto Firmino, who reached 17 goal contributions (goals + assists) in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League season. However, unlike Firmino—who fell short in the final—Kaká led Milan to Champions League glory in 2007, defeating Liverpool in Athens.

Raphinha Highlights Barcelona’s Fighting Spirit

Raphinha, who scored the winning goal in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League Round of 16, acknowledged the team’s resilience in Lisbon.

"We knew we had to suffer to get a positive result, and we did just that," he told Movistar+ after netting the decisive goal in the 61st minute. The match saw Barça reduced to 10 men after Pau Cubarsí’s red card in the 22nd minute.

Despite the adversity, Raphinha praised the squad’s focus. "It’s impossible not to be exhausted. We had a plan, but the red card changed everything," he admitted.

He also lauded goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny’s heroics, as the Polish shot-stopper made eight crucial saves. "I have him in my Fantasy team—I think he earned me a lot of points," he joked.

With the advantage in hand, FC Barcelona now looks to secure qualification at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.