Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich: 5 Talking Points as Raphinha excels in memorable win | UEFA Champions League 2024-25

Raphinha was on song for Barcelona, bagging a hat-trick as they beat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, October 23. After their win over Sevilla on the weekend, Hansi Flick opted to make a solitary change, with Fermin Lopez replacing Ansu Fati in attack.

Bayern, meanwhile, were missing Jamal Musiala to injury. Vincent Kompany also made just one change, with Joao Palhinha replacing the injured Aleksandar Pavlovic.

It was a dream start for Barcelona, going ahead inside a minute. With Bayern's defense yet to get set, a quick through-ball from Lopez set Raphinha up, who rounded Manuel Neuer to score.

Bayern then composed themselves and leveled the scores through Harry Kane. After having an effort disallowed earlier, he scored in the 18th minute with a volley past Inaki Pena.

However, the Catalan giants slowly gained control over the affair, putting two past the Bavarians before the half ended. Lewandowski collected the first of those, tapping home into an empty net in the 36th minute before Raphinha scored again, curling one home towards the end of the half.

With the visitors pushing forward to score in the second half, Raphinha completed his hat-trick after 56 minutes. A brilliant ball from Lamine Yamal followed by great control from the Brazilian saw him collect his third for the night.

Barcelona are now up to 10th in the Champions League with two wins and a loss from their three games. On the other hand, Bayern almost dropped out of the play-off spots and are in 23rd with just one win and two defeats in their three. Here are five talking points from the game:

#5 Barcelona youngsters continue to impress

Hansi Flick's immense faith in the Barcelona youth system continues to pay off. Six La Masia graduates - Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal were all in the starting lineup in the side's big win.

#4 Lewandowski vs Kane satisfies watchers

The match-up of two of the top strikers in European football in Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane did not disappoint. Both of them got on the scoresheet in the first half. It now means that the Poland international has 15 goals for the season, while Kane is hot on his heels with 14.

#3 Bayern's backline a cause for concern

Despite their good start in the Bundesliga, the Bavarian giants have proven to be leaky at the back this campaign. Seven goals conceded in three games in the UCL sees them down in 23rd and is an issue Kompany must rectify quickly.

#2 Hansi Flick's dream start continues

Flick has endeared himself to Barcelona fans with yet another stunning performance. Wednesday's win will have certainly soothed supporters who watched the same opponent beat them 8-2 four years ago, when Flick was in the other dugout. A combination of exciting tactics and belief in youngsters has the German high on confidence as they head towards the first El Clasico of the season.

#1 Raphinha continues to impress

After regular reports of a move away from Barcelona in Xavi's tenure, Raphinha has gone on to establish himself as one of Flick's most vital players. The hat-trick against Bayern means he now has nine goals and eight assists in just 13 games this season.