Raphinha double helps Barcelona sweep aside Feyenoord in Champions League opener

Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord at Camp Nou.

The Brazil forward opened the scoring after only three minutes and added a second shortly after half-time, continuing his outstanding start to the season. Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal and substitute Gabriel Jesus were also on target as Barcelona produced an emphatic performance.

Raphinha’s display came only days after he was surprisingly left out of the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. He answered that omission in the most decisive way possible, taking his tally to eight goals in six appearances this season.

The 28-year-old has adapted to a more central attacking role following Barcelona’s summer departures in attack, and he immediately caused problems for Feyenoord. Raphinha drove into the penalty area, moved inside two defenders and calmly found the net on a rain-soaked pitch.

Feyenoord attempted to respond, but Anis Hadj Moussa was denied by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The visitors also had penalty appeals rejected before the hosts re-established control of the match.

Adeyemi doubled Barcelona’s advantage with a superb strike from outside the area, curling the ball into the top corner. Barcelona continued to create openings, with Joao Cancelo hitting the outside of the post as the home side pressed for a third.

That goal arrived in the 57th minute. Pedri threaded a perfectly weighted pass behind the Feyenoord defence, releasing Raphinha, who finished beyond Tjark Ernst to put Barcelona firmly in command.

Yamal added a fourth in the 77th minute, finding the net from a free-kick. Feyenoord did manage to prevent Barcelona from recording another clean sheet when Sem Steijn pulled a goal back eight minutes later.

There was still time for a final moment of celebration for the home supporters. Gabriel Jesus, introduced as a substitute, headed in Yamal’s cross to score his first goal for Barcelona since completing his move from Arsenal.

The result preserves Barcelona’s perfect start to the season, with Hansi Flick’s side winning all five of their matches. They have scored five goals in four of those games, underlining the attacking strength that has developed around Raphinha’s central role.

However, Barcelona’s long wait for a Champions League clean sheet continues. Their most recent shutout in the competition came in April 2025.

Gabriel Jesus’ arrival from Arsenal adds another attacking option for Flick, and his late contribution provided an ideal conclusion to an evening in which Barcelona’s forwards dominated Feyenoord from the outset.