Barcelona star reveals apology to team-mate with Cristiano Ronaldo record on horizon

It was safety first, not that the record books will show that if Raphinha overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo's landmark in the next few weeks. But the forward was quick to say sorry to his team-mate for the goal which sent them

As the ball was about to cross the line from Pau Cubarsi’s header, Raphinha touched it home.

“I apologised to Pau because I think the ball was going in,” said Raphinha. “He told me he wasn’t bothered and he was going to take it as another assist for him!”

An assist for Cubarsi and for Raphinha, another step towards Champions League history. Sliding over the line, he scored his 12th goal in the competition this season before his header set up Robert Lewandowski for 2-0 and his superb pass found Lamine Yamal for Barca’s fourth. Those two assists were Raphinha’s seventh of the campaign, taking his total Champions League goal involvements this season to 19.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Not only did it put him level with from 2011-12, he is now just two behind the record of 21 held by from 2013-14 – and with the likelihood of at least three more Champions League matches this season to come.

And such has been the impact former Leeds winger Raphinha, 28, has had on the competition this season that

What a journey it has been for the Brazilian. When he left Leeds for Barcelona almost three summers ago on a five-year contract, it did not quite become the story he might have hoped for.

In the second part of his first season he was in and out of the team and did not get much better the following year.

But since the arrival of manager Hansi Flick, how life has changed and now a small part of European football history is his for the taking.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our