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October 23, 2024
Barcelona celebrated a resounding victory over Bayern Munich, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick from Raphinha that showcased the team’s clinical edge. Despite Bayern dominating significant portions of the match, the Catalans executed a smash-and-grab performance that left their opponents reeling.
This match marked Barcelona’s first triumph over Bayern Munich in nine years, and the Catalans delivered a ruthlessly efficient performance reminiscent of their German rivals. The Catalans had faced a daunting six consecutive defeats to the Bavarian giants since 2015, including the infamous 8-2 defeat during Flick’s tenure in 2020. However, that disheartening streak was decisively broken at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companies.
Raphinha’s lethal hat trick proved pivotal, with Barcelona converting all four shots on target. Although Harry Kane managed to equalize in the first half, Robert Lewandowski quickly restored Barcelona’s lead, setting the stage for Raphinha to seal the match with two additional goals, completing his hat-trick before the hour mark.
This impressive result positions Barcelona in the crucial top eight in the overall standings. In stark contrast, a struggling Bayern Munich has now suffered two defeats in three matches, leaving them languishing in 23rd place, trailing teams like Sparta Prague, Dinamo Zagreb, and Celtic.
As the match kicked off, many fans were still settling into their seats when Barcelona enjoyed a dream start. The sequence began with goalkeeper Iñaki Peña and swiftly transitioned from defense to attack. Fermin Lopez played a perfectly timed ball around the corner into the space ahead of Raphinha, taking advantage of a lapse in Joshua Kimmich’s positioning, who failed to intercept the pass.
With calm composure, Raphinha faced Manuel Neuer, deftly maneuvering the ball past the Bayern goalkeeper before sliding it into the net. Kimmich desperately sprinted back in an attempt to salvage the situation.
However, this early goal seemed to awaken Bayern Munich, and Harry Kane nearly equalized shortly after, connecting with a header from Raphael Guerreiro’s cross. Unfortunately for the visitors, VAR intervened, ruling out the would-be equalizer because Kane was marginally offside, with both his knee and toes past the last defender.
Despite this setback, Bayern continued to press forward and finally found their equalizer in the 18th minute. Michael Olise expertly switched the play from right to left, finding Serge Gnabry, whose cross was volleyed home by Kane, who had positioned himself perfectly in the center.
Bayern seized control of possession, while Barcelona’s high defensive line began to look increasingly vulnerable. Guerreiro surged into the box but failed to direct Gnabry’s cross on target. Then, against the run of play, Barcelona retook the lead. A VAR check ensued for a potential foul on Kim Min-Jae after Lopez lightly pushed him. The goal stood, and Lopez flicked the ball past the advancing Neuer, allowing Robert Lewandowski to finish the chance into an open net.
Much to Bayern’s frustration, Raphinha struck again just before halftime, further cementing the idea that Barcelona was executing a smash-and-grab performance. Despite only managing three shots on target in the first half, Barcelona netted three goals. Raphinha received a cross-field pass from Marc Casado, charged forward, cut onto his right foot, and hit the far top corner with a spectacular strike. The second half began with a flurry of Bayern pressure, reminiscent of their first-half dominance, but once again, Barcelona struck. Raphinha completed his hat trick, driving a low shot into the far bottom corner after chesting a pass from Lamine Yamal and sprinting away from the defenders.
With this decisive goal, Bayern faced an uphill battle, and their creativity quickly dwindled. Vincent Kompany’s decision to substitute wingers and his “number 10” simultaneously added to their woes, disrupting any rhythm they had left.
As the game moved into the last quarter, Barcelona settled into a comfortable rhythm, effectively neutralizing Bayern’s attempts to mount a comeback. The momentum of both teams gradually faded as they resigned themselves to their respective fates.
GK: Iñaki Peña – 6/10
While he wasn’t heavily tested throughout the match, there were moments where he seemed less than secure, lacking the confidence typically expected from a goalkeeper.
RB: Jules Koundé – 5/10
Koundé’s narrow positioning allowed Bayern ample space on their left flank, which could have been more effectively defended.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – 6/10
Cubarsi made his presence felt, ensuring Harry Kane knew he was there, particularly after initially struggling in their duel.
CB: Iñigo Martínez – 6/10
He benefited from Barcelona’s midfield and forwards’ attacking efforts, which eased the pressure on him. However, he still lacked the convincing authority one would hope for in defense.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 6/10
Similar to Koundé, Balde played a narrow game on the left. Fortunately for him, Bayern Munich focused less on their attacks down his side.
CM: Pedri – 8/10
Pedri was exceptional in winning back possession, effectively neutralizing Bayern’s attempts to penetrate through the middle of the pitch.
CM: Marc Casado – 7/10
His extraordinary vision was displayed with a brilliant pass that set up Raphinha’s second goal, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s success.
RM: Lamine Yamal – 7/10
While relatively quiet for much of the game, Yamal emerged when it mattered most, providing a superb assist for Barcelona’s fourth goal.
AM: Fermin López – 8/10
López showcased brilliant vision to spot Raphinha’s run, even if Kimmich inadvertently assisted the pass. Though somewhat fortuitous, his second assist highlighted his instinctive positioning as he facilitated the ball to Lewandowski.
LM: Raphinha (c) – 10/10
Raphinha has genuinely been reborn this season. With exceptional composure, he seized his early opportunity, rounding Neuer for his first goal. His second was nothing short of spectacular, and by the time he scored his third, his confidence was so high that it seemed impossible for him to miss.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 7/10
As expected, Lewandowski scored against his former club, showcasing his clinical positioning and ability to anticipate goal-scoring chances. However, he was relatively quiet for the remainder of the match.
Frenkie de Jong (61′ for Lopez) as a substitute – 6/10
Dani Olmo (76′ for Raphinha) as a substitute – 6/10
SUB: Gavi (Pedri’s 85′) – N/A
N/A for Ansu Fati (85′ for Yamal)
SUB: Lewandowski (85′ for Pau Victor) – N/A
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