Raphinha hits hattrick as Barcelona thrash Bayern Munich

Raphinha hits hattrick as Barcelona thrash Bayern Munich

The 4-1 home victory ended a near decade-long winless run against the German powerhouses.

Barcelona
Barcelona’s Raphinha (right) dodges a challenge from Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich to score his side’s fourth goal. (AP pic)
BARCELONA:
Barcelona captain Raphinha scored a hattrick to lead them to a commanding 4-1 home victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, ending a near decade-long winless run against the German powerhouses.

Raphinha’s inspired night started when he gave Barca the lead a little over a minute after kickoff as he received a fine pass through by midfielder Fermin Lopez, beat the offside trap before rounding the onrushing Manuel Neuer and tapping into the empty net.

Harry Kane levelled the score with a volley in the 18th minute but Robert Lewandowski put the home side back in front in the 36th minute after a mistake by Bayern’s defence and Raphinha extended Barca’s lead with two goals from quick counterattacks either side of halftime.

Barca are ninth in the Champions League standings on six points from three games while Bayern are 23rd on three points after a second consecutive defeat.

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