FC Barcelona’s history in the UEFA Champions League has been marked by numerous memorable moments and goal-scoring milestones. The Catalan club’s journey began on 16 September 1992, when Guillermo Amor scored Barça’s first-ever Champions League goal in a match against Viking Stavanger, preceded by the now-iconic UEFA Champions League anthem. Since then, Barcelona has become one of the competition’s most prolific goal-scoring teams, with Raphinha’s goal against Paris Saint-Germain celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 600 goals in the tournament.
Here’s a look back at the key moments in Barça’s Champions League history, highlighting the players who have scored the club’s century-making goals and the significance of those milestones:
Gabri’s Double Century
On 21 March 2000, Barcelona played Sparta Prague in the second group stage of the Champions League. The Catalan midfielder Gabri scored twice in the match, contributing significantly to the team’s comeback victory. Gabri’s first goal equalized the game after Sparta Prague had taken an early lead, and his second secured the win for Barça. His goal also marked Barcelona’s 100th goal in the Champions League.
Deco’s 200th Goal
Five years later, Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona side played a dominant match against Udinese, winning 4-1 on 27 September 2005. While Ronaldinho stole the show with a hat-trick, it was Deco’s goal that achieved the milestone of 200 goals for Barcelona in the Champions League.
Ibrahimovic’s Time to Shine
In the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 31 March 2010, Zlatan Ibrahimovic showcased his talent with a stunning lob over Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia. This goal was Barcelona’s 300th in the competition, and Ibrahimovic also scored goal number 301 in the same game.
Xavi’s Penalty
Xavi Hernández, one of Barcelona’s legendary midfielders, scored the club’s 400th goal in the Champions League during a group stage match against Ajax on 26 November 2013. His penalty goal, while not enough to secure victory for Barcelona in the game, marked a significant milestone in the club’s European history.
Messi’s Magic Moment
Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer, achieved the 500th goal for the club in the Champions League during a round of 16 match against Chelsea on 21 February 2018. Messi’s clinical finish, set up by an assist from Andrés Iniesta, leveled the score at 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and helped solidify his status as one of the game’s greatest players.
These milestones in Barcelona’s Champions League history highlight the club’s enduring legacy in European football. From the days of Guillermo Amor to the modern era of Lionel Messi and Raphinha, Barcelona’s journey has been filled with extraordinary goals and unforgettable moments. The club’s passion for excellence on the pitch continues to inspire fans around the world. As they look toward future campaigns in the Champions League, Barcelona remains a team to watch, with the potential for even more incredible achievements and goal-scoring feats.