When someone tries to associate the Champions League with a player… the name Cristiano Ronaldo is automatically mentioned. Over the course of 183 matches he played in the competition, in which he won five titles, no one can claim to have scored more goals (140) or provided more assists (42). However, now Raphinha can proudly say he has matched Cristiano Ronaldo as the player with the most goal contributions (21) in a single Champions League campaign.

Inter Milan Turns Raphinha’s Record into a Footnote

Truth be told, Raphinha didn’t have his best match last night. He was extremely erratic every time he got on the ball and, more importantly, he couldn’t energize Barcelona with his usual movement off the ball and pressing leadership. Still, there’s no denying that he seemed touched by magic in this Champions campaign… and rose to the occasion as the hero who brought Barcelona to a final for the first time in 10 years with his goal in the 87th minute. It was also his first shot of the entire game.

But Inter Milan hadn’t had the last word, and just when Barcelona was about to secure a spot in the Champions League final, Francesco Acerbi popped up unexpectedly in stoppage time to send the game into extra time—where Davide Frattesi shattered Barcelona’s dreams… and reduced Raphinha’s incredible record to a mere anecdote.

Raphinha Still Chasing the Ballon d’Or

Without a doubt, it will be a night Raphinha will want to forget as soon as possible. In fact, he appeared deeply affected when Szymon Marciniak blew the final whistle. But with time, he’ll surely begin to appreciate the amazing Champions League campaign he had with Barcelona. Until now, he had only managed three goals and six assists in his previous two appearances. This season, his numbers skyrocketed to 13 goals and eight assists.

Numbers that, even though Barcelona didn’t reach the Champions League final, put Raphinha in a strong position to become the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaká in 2007. Especially considering a season where he already won the Copa del Rey and is on track to help secure the LaLiga title, being the player with the most goal contributions (57) across the top five leagues this season.