Raphinha's double powers Barcelona to a thrilling Champions League win that ends Aston Villa's flawless start at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Raphinha was the man of the night at the Spotify Camp Nou, scoring twice to lead Barcelona past Aston Villa and end the English side's perfect start to their Champions League campaign.
Villa arrived with a 100 percent record and plenty of belief, and they made Barça work. The game was open and fast from the start, with both sides committing bodies forward and chances at both ends.
But Barcelona had the sharper edge when it mattered, and the Brazilian winger was at the heart of it. His movement, directness and finishing kept Villa's defence under pressure, and his two goals were the difference in a contest that stayed lively right to the end.
The result is a statement for Barcelona in the Champions League table, and it hands Villa their first real setback in the competition. Unai Emery's side will have to regroup quickly, while Barça will take plenty of confidence from a big European night in front of their own fans.
