Barcelona, Spain – As Barcelona gear up for a crucial league Clásico against rivals Real Madrid, Raphinha finds himself on edge after a bittersweet Champions League semi-final exit against Inter Milan. Despite scoring a crucial goal that brought the score to 3-2, the team fell short, leaving Raphinha heartbroken yet determined.
“Clásicos feel like finals – they’re different from any other match,” Raphinha shared with LaLiga World, expressing just how monumental these encounters are. With Barcelona’s chances of winning the league hinging on this match, the Brazilian winger is poised to play a significant role. He’s already proven to be a standout player against Real Madrid, having scored decisive goals in previous encounters this season.
In the current campaign, Raphinha has racked up an impressive 13 goals and nine assists in 14 Champions League matches, solidifying his status as the tournament’s top scorer. Overall, he has netted 32 goals and provided 25 assists across 53 appearances, making him a strong contender for the forthcoming Ballon d’Or.
Before the vital Clásico, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has opted to rest Raphinha following his return from international duty. After competing in the latest international break, Raphinha showed signs of fatigue and sat out two matches against Osasuna and Girona. Now, he appears to be regaining his form just in time.
Flick will not have the services of star striker Robert Lewandowski for this encounter, as the forward has not yet fully recovered from a hamstring injury, while Alejandro Balde will also miss the game. Such absences might make Raphinha’s contributions even more critical.
Following a stellar performance in previous matches, including a crucial role in the Spanish Super Cup final where he scored two goals and provided an assist, Raphinha’s confidence is swinging high as he heads into the Clásico. “I’ve worked so hard to reach my best level, and I hope to keep going. If my name’s in the Ballon d’Or conversation, it means I’m doing something right,” he stated.
His track record against Real Madrid is notable. Raphinha has played ten matches against Los Blancos, winning six, losing four, and never finishing in a draw. As the players prepare and the anticipation builds ahead of the match, fans are feeling optimistic.
As for the predicted starting XI against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick is expected to maintain a solid lineup: Wojciech Szczesny in goal, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, and Gerard Martín in defense. Frenkie de Jong will anchor midfield, with Pedri and Dani Olmo supporting the attack. Raphinha will partner with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres up front, ready to confront the fierce rivalry that every Clásico brings.
With everything at stake this weekend, the clash at Montjuïc is more than just a match – it’s a potential title decider for Barcelona. Raphinha’s brilliance on the pitch may very well determine the outcome for his squad.
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