Raphinha breaks silence on his goal against Dortmund – ‘I told Cubarsi…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s stunning 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals had plenty of standout performances, but Raphinha made sure his name was front and centre.

The Brazilian winger delivered one of his finest European performances in a Barça shirt—scoring a goal and providing an assist—but even as celebrations took over, he remained focused and humble.

His goal, however, was not without drama. After Pau Cubarsí’s powerful header looked destined for the net, Raphinha poked it over the line, uncertain if he was offside. The stadium held its breath, and VAR deliberated.

Eventually, the goal stood, but Raphinha was already preparing to make amends just in case.

“I was worried about whether it was offside,” the Brazilian admitted.

“I told Cubarsi that I had touched it and asked him for forgiveness—I even said it would count as his assist. I wanted to score goals and I’m here for that, but I didn’t know if it was already going in.”

Loving his performance

That candid moment speaks volumes about the spirit within Hansi Flick’s dressing room.

Raphinha was on the scoresheet against Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Despite the glittering scoreline, there is an evident humility and unity in the squad. And Raphinha, now fully comfortable in his surroundings, is enjoying the best version of himself in a Barça shirt.

“I love playing with high-level footballers,” he said after the match. “We know each other well, and we’re achieving spectacular numbers.”

Indeed, the understanding between Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal is growing stronger by the game.

While comparisons to the MSN trio may be premature, the current frontline has brought a fresh energy to Barcelona’s attack—a blend of youth, experience, and relentless desire.

But even after such a commanding win, Raphinha sounded the team’s collective caution.

“I’m not going to admit we’re in the semi-finals,” he stressed. “There’s another game. They have a lot of quality and, in front of their fans, they’re a difficult opponent. We have to play a good game in Dortmund.”

It is that mindset that might just take this Barcelona side deep into Europe’s elite competition again.

Raphinha’s spark has become essential to this team’s rhythm, and with confidence building, he looks ready to be a decisive figure in the run-in.

Source: SPORT