Raphinha is closing in on a Champions League record set by Cristiano Ronaldo more than a decade ago.
The Barcelona winger would surpass both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by claiming the record this season.
AFPRaphinha is closing in on a Champions League record set by Ronaldo in 2014[/caption]
Raphinha is just three goals or assists away from having the most goal involvements in a single Champions League season.
After 11 appearances in the competition this season, the Brazilian has 19 goal contributions.
His tallies of 12 goals and seven assists are both the most of any player this term.
He is also tied with Messi’s personal best from the 2011/12 campaign after a goal and two assists against Borussia Dortmund last week.
Barca defend their 4-0 first leg advantage in Germany on Tuesday night as they bid to reach the semi-finals.
Raphinha, meanwhile, is likely to have at least three matches to surpass Ronaldo’s record.
The Portuguese icon had 21 goal involvements as Real Madrid won their tenth European crown in the 2013/14 season.
His tally included a record 17 goals during the Spanish giants’ campaign.
Ronaldo also has the second highest figure with 20 goals and assists two seasons later.
With Barca holding a four-goal lead over Dortmund, Raphinha is expected to have at least three matches to break the record.
Hansi Flick’s side will face either Bayern Munich or Inter Milan in the last four next month if they advance on Tuesday night.
It would be the first time they have reached the semi-finals since 2019.
Raphinha is also leading the race to win the Golden Boot thanks to his 12 strikes so far this term.
Teammate Robert Lewandowski is currently his nearest challenger with 11 having bagged a brace in the first leg against former club Dortmund.
As for Raphinha, the 28-year-old is now amongst the frontrunners to win this season’s Ballon d’Or.
His first two seasons after joining from Leeds in 2022 provided just three goals and six assists across 12 matches – although the 2022/23 season saw Barca drop into the Europa League after coming third in their group.
He has already more than tripled his tally of goal involvements this term in one less appearance.
Barcelona will hope he can continue to contribute as they eye a place in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31.
