Raphinha s Barcelona rise key to devastating Champions League run

MILAN – Although the anticipated return of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez would have lifted the spirits of their teams ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 6, the spotlight is set to be on Raphinha.

The Barcelona winger has delivered outstanding performances this season, showcasing the crucial role he plays in Hansi Flick’s relentless attacking system ahead of the match, with the tie finely poised at 3-3.

He has recorded 12 goals and nine assists in 13 Champions League matches, compared to their opponents Inter’s 22 goals in the competition this season.

The 28-year-old’s tally has surpassed Argentinian great Lionel Messi’s best-ever total of 19 direct goal involvements (14 goals and five assists) with the Catalan giants in a Champions League campaign.

Throughout the season, the former Leeds winger has tallied 31 goals and 25 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions, as Barcelona pursue a potential quadruple, having already secured the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

The Brazilian winger’s revival is, he said, down to coach Flick.

“The truth is he changed practically everything for me. I was going to leave the club before the season started, the coach was so important in changing my mind, for me to stay at the club,” said Raphinha in April.

“He gave me all the confidence possible for me to do what I am doing, he changed everything, he basically changed my career. I’m doing my best, my best season since I started playing and I owe it all to him.”

Raphinha’s work rate suits Flick’s high-pressing game perfectly, although even the German would not have imagined the Brazilian would become a Ballon d’Or contender during the season.

“Raphinha is very important, I love him, like the other players, but