ISTANBUL – Barcelona claimed a decisive 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Raphinha opened the scoring just one minute into the match at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Although Harry Kane equalized with a header in the 11th minute, the goal was disallowed for offside. However, Kane did find the net with a volley from a Serge Gnabry cross in the 18th minute.
Barcelona regained the lead in the 36th minute when Robert Lewandowski scored from close range, assisted by Fermin Lopez. Raphinha extended the lead to 3-1 during stoppage time in the first half, capitalizing on a perfect pass from Marc Casado. He completed his hat trick with a quick counter-attack goal, assisted by Lamine Yamal, in the 56th minute.
After matchday 3, Barcelona sits 10th with six points, while Bayern Munich is in 23rd with three points.
In other matches, Liverpool edged past Leipzig with Darwin Nunez scoring the only goal in the 27th minute, putting Liverpool second with nine points, while Leipzig remains without points in 31st place.
Manchester City dominated Sparta Prague with a 5-0 victory at Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland netting two goals. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by John Stones in the 64th minute and Matheus Nunes converting a penalty in the 88th minute. Haaland’s goals came in the 58th and 68th minutes. Manchester City is third with seven points, while Sparta Prague is 21st with four points.
Aston Villa leads the standings with nine points on goal difference, ahead of Liverpool.
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