Raphinha was the shining star for Barcelona in tonight’s Champions League semifinal. Not only did he save his team from a home defeat against Inter, but he also scored one of the most beautiful goals of the season. Unfortunately, the goal was not credited to him and will officially be recorded as an own goal by Yann Sommer.

The thrilling match at Montjuïc, which started with two early goals from Thuram and Dumfries in favor of Inter, saw Barcelona make a comeback. After Yamal’s stunning free-kick and Raphinha’s headed assist for Ferran Torres to make it 2-2, Raphinha was just getting started.

In the 65th minute, with Inter’s solid defense blocking Barcelona’s attacks, Raphinha decided to unleash a powerful shot towards Sommer’s goal. Following a short corner from Yamal, Raphinha received the ball and fired an unstoppable left-footed rocket from outside the box. The ball was so fast that Sommer couldn’t reach it even after diving. The shot hit the crossbar, rebounded off Sommer’s back, and went into the net.

This superb goal was credited as an own goal by Yann Sommer, but there’s no doubt that this exceptional strike once again showed why Raphinha is considered a top contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Perhaps you’ve forgotten that Raphinha scored a similar goal against Benfica earlier this season in the Champions League group stage. In March, Barcelona traveled to the Estádio da Luz to face Benfica. When the team was struggling, Raphinha unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike in the 61st minute to score his ninth Champions League goal of the season.

Raphinha scored his ninth goal that night against Benfica. Today, his Champions League tally has reached 12, and he was unlucky not to have this beautiful goal counted as his 13th. However, viewers enjoyed watching one of the best strikes and goals of the season and credited it to Raphinha in their minds.