In a heart-stopping UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at the San Siro, Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha etched his name into football history by matching a prestigious record set by Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his team’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Inter Milan on May 6, 2025. The match, which ended with Inter advancing to the final with a 7-6 aggregate victory, was a showcase of relentless attacking football, with Raphinha’s late strike proving to be a bittersweet moment of individual brilliance in a game that will be remembered as one of the competition’s all-time classics.
Raphinha’s goal, a powerful second-half effort, marked his 13th strike of the 2024-25 Champions League campaign, complementing his nine assists to total 22 direct goal involvements. This remarkable tally equaled Ronaldo’s record for the most goal contributions in a single Champions League season, set during Real Madrid’s 2013-14 campaign when the Portuguese superstar notched 17 goals and four assists en route to securing La Decima. Raphinha’s achievement places him in elite company, surpassing even Lionel Messi’s best single-season contribution of 19 (14 goals, five assists) for Barcelona in 2011-12.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Inter took an early lead through Lautaro Martínez, whose ninth goal of the tournament matched an Argentine record for a single Champions League season. Barcelona fought back, with Raphinha’s goal briefly putting them ahead in the tie and sparking hopes of a comeback. The Brazilian, pulling wide and unleashing a clinical shot, demonstrated why he has been the heartbeat of Barcelona’s European campaign under manager Hansi Flick. However, Inter’s resilience shone through, with Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time equalizer at 90+3 forcing extra time, where Davide Frattesi’s 99th-minute strike sealed Inter’s place in the final.
Despite the defeat, Raphinha’s performance underscored his transformation into one of the world’s premier attacking talents. His 22 goal involvements in just 13 Champions League matches this season include a hat-trick against Bayern Munich and consistent contributions against Young Boys, FK Crvena Zvezda, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, and Atalanta. Only two matches—against Monaco and Brest—saw him fail to score or assist, a testament to his relentless impact. Across all competitions, Raphinha has amassed 35 goals and 22 assists, positioning him as a leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside teammates Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
The 28-year-old’s journey to this milestone has not been without challenges. After joining Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, Raphinha faced inconsistent playing time under former manager Xavi, leading to moments of frustration, including a heated exchange during a match against Manchester United last season. The arrival of Flick, however, has unlocked Raphinha’s potential, with the German tactician’s high-pressing, attacking system perfectly suiting the Brazilian’s dynamic style. Flick’s decision to deploy Raphinha on the left wing, despite competition from rising star Yamal on the right, has paid dividends, with the winger adapting seamlessly and delivering career-best numbers.
Inter’s victory, while overshadowing Raphinha’s individual heroics, was a collective triumph. The Italian side, unbeaten in their last 15 home Champions League matches, showcased their depth and determination. Defender Alessandro Bastoni earned plaudits for his defensive masterclass, while Martínez and Frattesi provided the cutting edge. For Barcelona, the loss marks their fifth consecutive European semifinal exit, a bitter pill despite their domestic successes, including the Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey titles.
Raphinha’s record-equaling performance, though marred by defeat, cements his status as a Barcelona and Brazilian trailblazer. He becomes the first player from his country and club to reach 22 goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing legends like Neymar, Ronaldo Nazario, and Kaká. While he won’t have the chance to break Ronaldo’s record this season, his contributions have fueled Barcelona’s resurgence and sparked discussions about a potential treble, with La Liga still within their grasp.