Barcelona delivered a commanding Champions League performance on 23 October 2024, overpowering Bayern Munich 4–1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Softfootball reports. Raphinha was the undisputed star of the night, scoring a clinical hat-trick, while Robert Lewandowski added a goal against his former club as Barça showcased their most complete European display of the season.
The hosts struck immediately, stunning Bayern with a goal inside the opening minute. Fermín López dispossessed the visitors in midfield and released Raphinha, who cut inside and curled a precise effort beyond Manuel Neuer to hand Barcelona a dream start.
Bayern responded with moments of attacking intent and found their equaliser in the 18th minute. Serge Gnabry broke down the right and floated a cross toward Harry Kane, who improvised brilliantly with a controlled volley into the far corner. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, bringing the match level at 1–1.
Barcelona, however, remained composed and regained control through sustained midfield pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when López again played a decisive role, sliding a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker finished calmly to give Barcelona a 2–1 lead, refusing to celebrate out of respect for his former club.
Just before the interval, Raphinha delivered a dagger blow. Lamine Yamal’s low cut-back found the Brazilian unmarked, and he swept home his second of the night to send Barça into halftime with a well-earned 3–1 advantage.
The second half saw Bayern attempt to fight back through a series of attacking substitutions, including Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Leon Goretzka. But Barcelona’s defensive structure held firm, while their attack continued to threaten on the counter.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick in the 56th minute after a clever exchange involving Yamal. The young winger drifted inside and found Raphinha with a perfectly placed through ball, allowing him to slot past Neuer and push Barcelona into a commanding 4–1 lead.
Bayern enjoyed more possession—57% overall—and produced 10 shots, but failed to turn their spells of control into meaningful chances. Barcelona remained compact, clinical, and disciplined, conceding few clear opportunities as the match drifted beyond Bayern’s reach.
Hansi Flick made several late changes to preserve energy, introducing Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Pau Víctor, while Vincent Kompany’s Bayern battled to prevent further damage despite growing frustration on the pitch, evidenced by late bookings for Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.
In the end, Barcelona’s efficiency, creativity, and tactical cohesion proved decisive. With four goals, sharp pressing, and standout performances across the pitch, the Catalans secured a statement win—one that sends a clear message to the rest of Europe.
Raphinha’s hat-trick, Lewandowski’s assured finish, and the emergence of young talents like López and Yamal underline a Barcelona side rediscovering both identity and confidence on the continental stage.
