UCL Night of Records: Raphinha Breaks Messi’s Record, Yamal Shines, Dembele Matches Mbappe
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Shamini
- . May 1, 2025
- . Update: May 1, 2025 2:16 pm
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan football fans witnessed a historic night full of record-breaking performances from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.
Raphinha Surpasses Messi’s Record
Barcelona’s winger Raphinha had a spectacular delivery with two key assists in the dramatic 3-3 draw against Inter Milan. The Brazilian star has racked up a remarkable 20 goal involvements in this Champions League campaign tallying 12 goals and 8 assists in a standout season. Raphinha has surpassed Lionel Messi’s club record of 19 total goal contributions in 2011-12 seasons. Raphinha is now just one off of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for total single-season UCL goal contributions of 21 (2013-14 with Real Madrid), as per ESPN.
Lamine Yamal Makes History
Lamine Yamal, a seventeen year old prodigy etched his name in the history by becoming the youngest player to ever score in a Champions League semi-final. His brilliant solo goal not only exemplified his immense talent, but it also broke a three year goal drought for Barcelona in a semi-final since Lionel Messi scored in 2019. Yamal’s overall performance including hitting the woodwork twice played a significant role in Barcelona’s fight to come back from two goals down.
Dembele Ties Mbappe for Goals
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain continued his productive streak in PSG’s 3-0 win over Stade Brestois. Dembele’s total now stands at 21 goals in 2025 across all competitions, which ties him with Kylian Mbappe for goals in this calendar year.
This Champions League night is being remembered for the unique accomplishments of these players, the opening of many doors and registering new record achievements.
While Barcelona was looking to secure a place in the final and PSG to crown itself continental champions, this night was significant not just for its memories but for the birth of a new order in European football. From a burgeoning kid to old boys breaking club records, the UCL is still the platform that writes football history.