Brazilian forward Raphinha has been making waves in La Liga, notching a double against Deportivo Alavés on October 31, 2026, to equal Lionel Messi's record of 15 goals in 11 matches. This impressive feat has contributed significantly to FC Barcelona's 6-1 victory over Alavés at the Spotify Camp Nou. Raphinha's performance comes at a crucial time for the Blaugrana, who were seeking to bounce back from consecutive losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Raphinha's double against Alavés marked a highlight in Barcelona's dominant display, with the team taking a 4-0 lead into halftime. The win helped Barcelona regain momentum in the league, following a challenging period that saw them suffer back-to-back defeats. The Brazilian's form has been a key factor in the team's resurgence, earning him recognition and praise from fans and pundits alike.

Lionel Messi's record, which Raphinha has matched, dates back to the 2012-2013 season when the Argentine superstar scored 15 goals in the first 11 matches. Messi went on to have a remarkable campaign, finishing with 46 goals and helping Barcelona accumulate 100 points and score 115 goals in La Liga that season. This achievement remains a benchmark in the club's recent history.

While Raphinha's achievement is notable, he still trails behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals scored in the first 11 matches of a La Liga season. In 2014-2015, Ronaldo netted 18 goals during this period, three more than Raphinha's current tally. The Portuguese forward's impressive record remains a target for the Brazilian to aim for.

Raphinha's impressive form has been a key factor in Barcelona's performance this season. His ability to score crucial goals has helped the team stay competitive in the league. As the season progresses, fans and pundits will be watching closely to see if Raphinha can continue his goal-scoring form and potentially surpass Messi's and Ronaldo's records.

The current standings in La Liga see Barcelona competing closely with other top teams. Raphinha's contributions will be vital in the team's quest for a strong finish in the league. His development and growth as a player have been significant, and his performances have caught the attention of football enthusiasts globally.

As Raphinha continues to make his mark in La Liga, his achievements will undoubtedly be compared to those of Messi and Ronaldo. While he still trails behind Ronaldo's record, his recent performances have showcased his skill and potential as a top-tier footballer. The Brazilian forward's progress will be closely monitored in the coming weeks and months.

Key points

  • Raphinha equals Lionel Messi's record of 15 goals in 11 La Liga matches.
  • Raphinha trails behind Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 18 goals in the same period.
  • Raphinha's performance has contributed significantly to FC Barcelona's recent victories.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.